Photo by vireshstudio on Pixabay

Deepavali falls on Amavasai (New Moon*) of the Tamil Lunar Month Aipasi. It is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. There are many stories behind the origin of this Festival of Lights (also known as Diwali in other Indian languages), but I shan’t go into those (you can ask Mr Google for directions to them).

Deepavali usually brings out the philosopher-poet in me, so here goes…

Good people, good deeds, good thoughts and good intentions – when these take precedence over all things that reflect negativity, then good has triumphed over evil. When we shed our lies and pretence, and be true to ourselves, then good has triumphed over evil.

Deepavali is more than eating good food and keeping good company; it is engaging in good deeds. So, if there is someone out there who could do with a bit of cheer during this COVID pandemic, give them the light.

What is Deepavali without visiting family and friends? A quiet Deepavali! Well, this year, my family and I (like others caught in this COVID pandemic) will experience just that; a subdued Deepavali may just give us that quiet moment to do some self-reflection and find inner peace.

* The New Moon is not illuminated and so the sky is dark at night.

Glossary
deepam – traditional Indian oil lamp with a wick
mattappu – sparkler
pavadai – traditional Indian long skirt
jhimki – bell-shaped dangling earrings
mukattil sirrupu – smile on the face
manesil amaiti – peace/calm within your heart
Ithuvei Deepavali – this is Deepavali

This post was written by our postdoc, Shamala. The romanisation of the Tamil script may differ for different Tamil speakers and the romanisation in this post reflects the author’s language use.

We hope you and your loved ones have a safe and joyful celebration. தீபாவளியை மகிழ்ச்சியாகக் கொண்டாடுங்கள்! Happy Deepavali from BLIP Lab at NTU!