Light of Wisdom

The message of Deepavali is very simple - to bid farewell to all the hurt, anger, frustration and bitterness from the past, and with the arrival of the festival of light, we celebrate life with newness and freshness. Light dispels darkness; when the darkness of ignorance within you is dispelled through the light of wisdom, good wins over evil. Deepavali is celebrated as Narak Chaturdashi, commemorating the slaying of wicked demon Narakasur by Satyabhama.

There was a wicked demon by the name of Narakasur. He created hell for everyone, much like his name - Narak means hell. He was too powerful; nobody could win over him. But he was defeated by one of Krishn's consorts, Satyabhama, in a war. Filled with arrogance, he underestimated the power of a woman. In the end, furious Satyabhama annihilated the demon using the Sudarshan Chakra.

When Narakasur was asked what his last wish was, he said he wanted everyone to celebrate his passing by lighting lamps. At the end of his life, he realised he caused so much suffering. He said, 'Now that I am gone, there is no more suffering for anybody. Everybody should rejoice my departure.'


The day also marks the homecoming of Ram after his victory over Ravan. The whole town welcomed Ram by lighting lamps. Here, Ram also symbolises the Self. His return to Ayodhya represents the jiva getting back to the atman, self-consciousness, self-awareness.