We ,Hindus in India,celebrate Deepavali in a grand manner ,by
lighting lamps everywhere inside the house
as well as in front of the houses,buildings etc on the eve of Deepavali and also on the next day.It is believed that by lighting lamps the
darkness is driven away.Here the darkness is attributed to our evil thoughts,anger,jealousy,hatred,ill will,excess of kama,Khroda,loba(Lust) etc..These evils are to be driven out from our heart and mind so that we can live happily and get the blessings of the LORD.
It is said that our birth as a human being is itself a great gift of the LORD and we should conduct ourself as a worthy devotee of the LORD and reach HIS abode in due course of time after serving well our family, society and all the living beings around us.It is again said the LORD loves those who love others and of help to the needy,sick,poor and those in distress.Deepavali is the occasion to rededicate ourselves to the service of Humanity by driving away all our bad thoughts and by praying to the LORD for HIS GRACE.
According to the vedic culture the message of Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya (From darkness unto light) is given through the festival of Deepavali to all peoples of the world.It is a message "let us remove darkness from the face of earth" This cannot be done by one individual,it requires collective efforts.
The second message of the burning DIAS( A little clay lamp) is to destroy the difference between rich and poor-- the destruction based on poverty and wealth.These little clay lamps lit in the huts and bungalows will throw light everywhere and it is a symbol of unity of the rich and poor without any distinction.
The third message is to kindle the extinguished lights of our neighbours by going to help them in lighting their lamps.It is a symbol of a little charity which can bring joy to our neighbours and those in need.
The rowof lamps teach yet another lesson and that is of unity as exemplified in SATYAM,SHIVAM SUNDARAM--TRUTH,JOY,and BEAUTY.
The lights are lit both at the entrance of the houses and in the streets and lanes.This means that the inner spiritual light of the individual must be reflected outside
The lights of the DIAS on earth beckon the lights in the firmaments to descend upon earth and establish the heavenly kingdom of the LORD for the welfare of the human race !
Feeding empty stomachs,lighting dias and providing joy to downtrodden is to enter the true spirit of Deepavali.This is the true prayer to Goddess Maha Lakshmi !
I wish all a very Happy and Prosperous and Bright Deepavali with the Abundance Grace of Laxmi Devi.!