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India is a land where festivals are not
just cultural celebrations but powerful reminders of timeless values. Among the
many, Dasara and Deepawali hold a special place in our society. Both festivals,
celebrated with diversity across the nation, are bound by a common thread: the
victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and selfless service over
selfish pursuit. When understood deeply, they serve not only as occasions for
joy but also as guiding beacons for building a strong, united, and prosperous nation.
Dasara, or Vijayadashami, literally means
the "day of victory." Across India, it takes different forms but
carries the same message of righteousness. In North India, the epic Ramayana
forms the heart of the festival. Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana represents the
triumph of truth, justice, and discipline over arrogance, lust, and falsehood.
Effigies of Ravana are burnt to symbolize the destruction of evil. In Karnataka
it is celebrated as ‘Nadahabba’, a royal festival dedicated to Goddess
Chamundeshwari, who slew the demon Mahishasura. The grand procession of
elephants, music, and martial displays symbolize courage, cultural richness,
and unity. This festival is celebrated in West Bengal and the East as Durga
Puja, where Goddess Durga defeats Mahishasura after nine nights of battle,
embodying divine energy (Shakti) that annihilates negativity. In Himachal
Pradesh and Northern Hills, Kullu Dussehra is unique, where local deities are
paraded, reflecting the unity of diverse traditions.
Though varied in form, the essence
remains: evil may seem powerful, but it can never stand before truth, courage,
and collective will. Dasara inspires us to recognize the "Ravana" or
"Mahishasura" within us—anger, greed, jealousy, apathy—and conquer
them. A nation can be strong only when its people cultivate inner strength and
self-mastery.
Following Dasara comes Deepawali, the
festival of lights, celebrated across the country with unmatched enthusiasm.
Deepawali commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of
exile, when the people lit rows of lamps to welcome him in North India. In
Gujarat and Western India, it marks the new year and worship of Goddess
Lakshmi, the bringer of wealth and prosperity. Deepawali is observed as Kali
Puja in Bengal and the East invoking the fierce energy of Goddess Kali to
destroy ignorance and injustice. In South India, it is linked to the story of
Lord Krishna slaying the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the victory of divine
power over oppression.
Lighting lamps is not just a ritual—it
symbolizes awakening the light of knowledge, hope, and purity. Deepawali
teaches us that real prosperity is not merely economic growth but also moral
wealth: honesty, compassion, and inclusiveness. Just as people clean their
homes before the festival, we are reminded to cleanse our society of
corruption, inequality, and prejudice.
When viewed together, Dasara and Deepawali
offer a blueprint for nation-building.
Victory of Good Over Evil: Dasara teaches
us courage to fight injustice. Deepawali inspires us to remove darkness from
society. Together, they remind citizens to uphold truth, fairness, and
integrity.
Unity in Diversity: From Durga Puja in
Bengal to Mysuru Dasara, from Ram Leela in Uttar Pradesh to Kali Puja in
Bengal, these festivals show India’s diversity. Yet, they unite the nation
under common values of light, strength, and righteousness.
Inner Transformation for Social Change:
Burning Ravana’s effigy or lighting lamps will have meant only if we conquer
our inner weaknesses and spread light in society. A nation is only as strong as
the character of its citizens.
Education and Knowledge: Deepawali is the
festival of light, and true light is knowledge. A nation aspiring to be a world
leader must invest in education, innovation, and wisdom. Ignorance is the
greatest darkness that must be removed.
Service and Sacrifice: Rama’s exile,
Durga’s battle, Krishna’s victory—all involve sacrifice for the greater good. A
strong nation is built when citizens place service above self-interest.
Prosperity with Purity: Worship of Goddess
Lakshmi during Deepawali teaches us that wealth is sacred when earned through
honest means. True national prosperity lies in ethical business, equitable
distribution, and social responsibility.
Becoming Fit Instruments for Nation-Building:
Swami Vivekananda once said, “They alone live who live for others, the
rest are more dead than alive.” Festivals like Dasara and Deepawali
remind us of this truth. Nation-building is not the task of governments
alone—it is the responsibility of every citizen.
A student becomes a fit
instrument by dedicating themselves to learning and character-building.
A professional serves
the nation by working with integrity and innovation.
A homemaker contributes
by nurturing values of discipline, compassion, and patriotism at home.
A community becomes
strong when it stands united against divisive forces and works together for
harmony.
When every lamp lit in Deepawali becomes a
symbol of hope for others, when every battle fought within us during Dasara
strengthens our character, we as individuals become warriors of light. And only
such awakened individuals can build a just, prosperous, and united India.
Dasara and Deepawali are not just
festivals to be celebrated—they are lessons to be lived. They call upon us to
rise above selfishness, conquer inner weakness, and dedicate ourselves to
service. Just as Rama’s return lit up Ayodhya, and Durga’s victory brought hope
to the world, let us illuminate our nation with courage, knowledge, and unity.
If each citizen becomes a fit
instrument—pure in heart, strong in will, and generous in action—India will not
just celebrate festivals of light and strength but will itself shine as a
beacon of light for the whole world.
“Let there be light; both inside and
outside”
Dr. Padmarekha
