The Diwali in my Heart..

 The very fact that the US President Barak Obama and many other world leaders took time to wish  everybody 'a happy Diwali', clearly signifies that Diwali has emerged as an international festival. Over the years, the 'Festival of lights' has surely managed to surpass the boundaries of nationality, color, caste, creed and religion. It is no more a festival that belongs only to one  particular religion!

Diwali is one of the most important and popular festivals in India. It is a festival that is supposed to mark the "destruction of evil" and bring light, joy and prosperity in the homes of everybody. It is celebrated widely by people of all faiths with great joy, enthusiasm and spiritual fervor. India and Indians settled in different parts of the world are "at their best" during Diwali. It is one festival that binds every Indian and makes me feel very proud of my country!

For my Hindu brethren, Diwali is a religious festival and symbolizes the victory of Lord Krishna over Narkasur (the demon), as mentioned in their Puranas. It also signifies the ultimate victory  of the 'Good' over 'Evil'.

During this short period of festivity, India is really shining and glittering. And with all the fireworks and crackers, India also transforms itself into a very noisy country. For most Indians, living in different parts of the world, Diwali is a time to celebrate with their loved and dear ones! Even the poorest of the poor in India, has a smile on his face and is in a mood for celebration. Diwali is a festival that seems to bring 'hope and cheer' to everybody's life.

For me and my family, Diwali always brings back joy and sweet memories. As a youngster, Diwali was all about visiting my Hindu friends, taking part in their fire works and literally 'eating to death' their delicious diwali food and lovely sweets that were sent to my house. As a young married man, it was sweet memories of taking my kids out... to see the various illuminations in the city and witness the famous Narkasur Floats in Margao.  Going out for a family dinner and having an extra beer  was an important feature of my Diwali itinerary.

Today, Diwali means a 'lot more' to me. It is no more an exclusive 'external' festivity. It has also assumed an important 'internal' factor. Yes, I do enjoy the illuminations, the fireworks, the sweets and the Diwali food that is sent to me. I  also make it a point to go out for dinner and celebrate Diwali with my family.

However, since the last three years, Diwali has assumed a 'greater significance' to me... It is a day on which I take some time out to be with myself and undertake a serious "self inventory". On this day,I make a sincere effort to "illuminate my inner being" and re-observe the 'darker side' of my personality. And when I finish doing that, I feel very "liberated"... totally cut down to size and brought back to reality. For a change my Ego takes the back seat, and I see my 'real self' in a different light... with a lot more clarity.

My annual 'self introspection' proves to me, that I am in no way superior to anybody. It also gives me a  feeling of 'being connected' with other human beings. It reminds me that I and the road side beggar are made of same flesh and blood. It is only the circumstances and education that makes us live in two different, men made worlds. Knowing and experiencing  this truth at the deepest level helps me to burn down the demons (Narkasurs) of pride, hatred, jealousy and selfishness that were hidden in my personality.

And just as it happens in Goa during this festival... after the Narkasurs are burnt, the  Diwali lamps are put on to illuminate our homes,  God's light begins to flood my inner being and eliminate the darkness that was polluting my soul. And I feel like a child, once again... truly liberated and joyful.

Yes, I feel free to celebrate and  enjoy my  Diwali... the way  I used to do as a child, and the way I would always like it to be in the future!

I wish you all a happy 'enlightened' Diwali.