Guru Kriba Vayapuri highlights significance of Diwali

Diwali or Deepavali, celebrated on Thursday October 31 and Friday November 1 this year, is a highly honoured event on the Hindu calender.

Guru Kriba Vayapuri, a priest and retired school principal based in Durban, spoke to DurbanLocal on the significance of Diwali and why it is still celebrated after more than 2 500 years.

Guru Vayapuri said Diwali is also referred to as the festival of lights. But beyond that, the lighting of the clay lamp and its light is a celebration of good over evil.

“Deepavali has now adopted an international status with celebrations taking place at centre stages in countries like the UK, Canada, USA, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia and here on our South Africa soil Deepavali is close to becoming a public holiday,” said Guru Vayapuri.

“The entire globe is lit up with the shimmering clay lamps which compete with the stars in the heavens on Amavasya (darkest night), the night Deepavali is celebrated.”

Guru Vayapuri said the lighting of firecrackers and the kaleidoscope of fireworks decorating the sky sets the scene for the festival of lights.

Deepavali is a time when people forget their troubles and rejoice in the festivities, said Guru Vayapuri. The flickering flames of the lamps warms even the saddest heart. It’s a day when loves reigns supreme, said Guru Vayapuri.

“Despite the brutal invasion of India by various foreign powers over thousands of years, Deepavali has remained intrinsic to Hindu culture, religion and tradition. Its spirituality and significance is what has made this festival withstand the test of time and survive against tremendous odds,” said Guru Vayapuri.

He added that the significance of light to Hindus is synonymous to divinity because God is love and light, according to Hinduism. Light symbolises knowledge and darkness is tantamount to ignorance. Guru Vayapuri said along with lighting the external lamps, humanity should strive to light the lamps within them.

“Lighting an oil lamp with ghee (clarified butter), castor oil or sesame seed oil exudes positivity and generates its own field of energy. By lighting the lamp, an individual seeks to connect with their inner self (atma or soul) and embrace the qualities represented by the divine flame,” he said.

Diwali is a day of introspection, reflection, rejuvenation and resolution - we should resolve to practice love and harmony, do good, share and care, said the Guru. He added that the important feature of Deepavali is the sharing of happiness by feeding the underprivileged and engaging in acts of poverty alleviation.

“At Deepavali, homes are given a proper spring clean. Vibrant colours of rangoli (decorations made with rice) adorn the courtyards of many homes. The first lamp lit is in honour of Lord Yamraj, the Lord of Death. This is to pray that there is no untimely death in the home. Hindus believe in reincarnation of the soul and view death as a material transition from one state to another. The second lamp lit, two days before Deepavali, is for Dhanteras and this is for general well being and good health. Dhanteras is considered the healer or father of Ayurvedic (herbal) medicine,” said Guru Vayapuri.

The main day of Deepavali is when Mother Lutchmee (the Goddess of Wealth) is welcomed into homes and offices. Lamps are lit in every room in the house or office. Elaborate rituals and offerings are performed for her. Guru Vayapuri said rituals of worship are also performed for Shree Ram, Shree Krishna and Shree Hanuman.

“There are many legends surrounding the celebration of Deepavali. In the south of India, they commemorate the slaying of the demon, Narkasura, by Shree Krishna, While in the north of India, Shree Ram is celebrated for his victory over Ravana. The stories may not appeal to everyone however the spiritual message in the stories are of paramount importance - and that is the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The spirit of Deepavali is one of hope, faith and prosperity,” he said.

It is because of this enduring hope we are reassured and reminded that beyond failure there is success - beyond sorrow there is joy - beyond poverty there is prosperity - beyond suffering there is healing and beyond darkness there is light, said Guru Vayapuri.