The Weekly Shot: Happy Deepavali

31 October 2016
A man holding on lightning candles

Namaste and Greetings of Happy Deepavali (also known as Diwali) from India. This festival is very well-known as the Festival of Lights, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, or light over dark. In many Indian states, it is also the beginning of the new business year. Deepavali literally translates to "lines of light."

According to popular legend, when Lord Rama returned from his 14 years of exile after defeating Raavana, the people of Ayodhya lit candles and diya (oil lamps) to celebrate his return to the kingdom.

But here is my realization as we grow with the consciousness of oneness and working towards the global peace: as according to the Preamble, Purpose, and Principles(PPPs) of our URI, the Festival of Lights helps me to understand the light in each of you. It helps me to deepen my own way of sustaining universal love to be shared with you all. 

Here I am sharing a moment - a moment of holding you in my thoughts and prayers - that may we all live in the light of peace, justice and healing.

Biswadeb Chakraborty

URI Regional Coordinator for the East Zone of India

Learn more about URI Cooperation Circles, many of whom are celebrating Deepavali along with their Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist friends.