Diwali - The festival of lights.

Can you imagine a country in the world without a Christmas celebration? Wouldn’t it be awfully dull at this time of year?

Well, although India hardly holds these types of festivities, it still doesn’t miss out on  the fun and magical potential that’s contained within the winter months.

In fact this time of year for the people in India is exceptionally special, as Diwali, the festival of lights is celebrated by all, taking place every November.

Over a magical period of 4 days, the whole of India is lit up with every form of light that you can possibly imagine, including candles, lamps, fairy lights, firecrackers and fireworks. People will usually place these lights in any place that can be seen with the naked eye, on rooftops, around gardens and courtyards.

What’s with all the fuss about light then, you may ask. Well believe it or not, the original story is very lovey-dovey, a typical romantic fairy tale, with a ‘once-upon a time’ and a ‘happily ever after’.

In the land of the Hindu God’s, Prince Rama and his wife Sita, were banished by the king of the land to live in the forest. They dwelled there for 14 whole years, when there was a sudden turn of events. Ravana, (who happens to have ten heads) decided to kidnap Princess Sita.

And who better to come to the rescue then the almighty Monkey god, Hanuman!  With the strength of both Prince Rama and Hanuman, together they rescued the princess. As they set off on the journey back home, it just so happened that that night was a moonless night. They were as blind as bats and couldn’t see a thing in front of them. The people of the village decided to give a helping hand, and so they lit many small oil lamps along the path to guide them back safely home.  When they arrived, Rama was crowned King.

And it’s this very special light that gave birth to this beautiful celebration, signifying light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

It’s a great way to remember that no matter how dark and evil the place is that you may dwell in in your life, the strength and power of goodness will always conquer.

Try lighting a candle of your own tonight and see for yourself how easily darkness can be defeated.