The festival of lights...

Diwali (or Deepavali) is probably the most important festival in Hinduism. Celebreated as the 'Festival of Lights' in Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and even Buddhism, Deepavali essentially marks the triumph of good over evil.

Deepavali comes from the Sanskrit words "Deepa" (meaning lamps) and "aawaLi" (meaning a row or line) and translates literally to a row of lamps. In Hindu mythology, Diwali marks the return of Lord Ram to his kingdom of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile in Lanka (Sri Lanka today), his exile culminating in the victory over the evil-figure Ravana. Legend has it that the people of Ayodhya greeted Lord Ram with a row of lamps and the tradition has since survived centuries.

I think its fair to say that as with most religious festivals, the true meaning has been diluted along the way. Its also fair to say that if anything, its been replaced by something far more important. Diwali has always been about family ever since I have come to know if it. A time for parents, siblings, cousins and loved ones to come together and appreciate the one thing in life we tend not to: family.

I've beeen living away from home for well over a decade now but come Diwali, I've always endeavoured to make it back home. An opportune time to get back, reflect and hope for an even better year to come...