Tomorrow, the skies will burst forth with light, as people everywhere will burst crackers and light sparklers in front of their homes and on every street corner. Irrespective of caste or creed, this is one of those festivals where the entire community joins in the general merriment. The exchange of sweets and other homemade eatables are accompanied by visits from friends and relatives in beautiful new attire.
I too remember the rush of excitement I used to feel as a child whenever Diwali approached. My playmates and I in the neighborhood that I lived in would save money for many months to buy crackers and sparklers. And then, when the day arrived, we would pile high our treasures and burst merrily from dawn to midnight.
But somewhere along the way, I became more aware of the world around me, and my attitude changed. I started to hear about the illegal practice of using children in the making of firecrackers. Many children cannot go to school and work inhumane hours to satisfy the greed of their owners. I heard about the hundreds if not thousands of lives that had been lost due to the fire accidents in these factories, where unsanitary conditions and low compensation prevails. In fact, many hundreds of families are in bonded labor because of this industry, all to gratify the fleeting fancies of children and adults on this one day called Diwali. The ‘festival of lights did not seem too bright to me at all.
It made me wonder if there was a better way to celebrate Diwali, something that brought true joy? Here below is my take on what I believe are ways to brighten up the darkness this Diwali
- Limit the amount you spend on firecrackers, and spend it on something useful or to help someone in need.
- Instead of buying new clothes for yourself this year, buy a new outfit for someone who needs it.
- If animals could speak, they would tell you all about the way their heart races each time a firecracker goes off – let them enjoy a peaceful Diwali.
- While visiting your loved ones is great, visit someone who does not have anyone to enquire about them.
- Make something homemade and special for someone who has nobody to cheer them up.
Jesus said: “You are the light of the world… people (do not) light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”
Like the ‘diyas’ or ‘deepams’ that line the walls of many homes during Diwali, let us also try to bring light and beauty instead of wasting our resources on momentary happiness. Let us use wisely the resources that we are entrusted with to bring true light and happiness into a dark world that desperately needs it. May you be the light in you neighborhood that shines brighter than any ‘diya’ ever could.
If there are more ways that you can think of to brighten up the darkness this Diwali, please share your thoughts and ideas with us.
Our Daily Masala 