As the festival of lights falls tomorrow, homes across the country are being dusted, repainted, and adorned with lamps, rangoli, and other decorations.
Deepavali signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, and inspires millions to clear away the old and welcome renewal.
But while much attention is given to cleaning and decorating our living spaces, we often overlook the need to do the same within.
The festival’s deeper message is not only about external illumination but about lighting the inner lamp by decluttering the mind and heart.
Just as we remove physical untidiness to create space for light, energy, and beauty, we must also clear away mental chaos that weighs us down.
Resentment, guilt, disappointment, and judgment can accumulate in the corners of the mind, dimming our inner radiance.
When we consciously release them, we create space for peace, gratitude, and love to take root. True celebration, then, is when both the home and the mind are in harmony, radiating light from within and without.
Forgiveness is the first step toward mental and emotional clarity, and the festive season offers the perfect atmosphere to embrace it.
It is easy to repaint a wall, but not so easy to repaint memories.
Yet, holding on to anger or hurt is like carrying a burning fire, which harms us more than the person who caused the pain.
Deepavali is a timely reminder to let go of these burdens.
To forgive does not mean to forget or excuse, but to set oneself free.
It is a conscious decision to release the hold of negativity and allow healing to take place.
A small act of pardon, whether towards another person or oneself, can rekindle inner calm and open the heart to light.
Just as the lamps we light dispel physical darkness, forgiveness dispels emotional shadows.
In the rush of preparations, buying new clothes, cooking festive meals, and visiting family and friends, it is easy to lose sight of the essence of Deepavali: appreciation.
The festival offers the perfect moment to pause and reflect on life’s blessings. Gratitude shifts our focus from what is lacking to what is already abundant.
When we take time to express appreciation to those around us, we add warmth to our relationships.
A simple “thank you” to a parent, sibling, friend, or colleague can bridge emotional distances and deepen connection.
It reminds us that love and kindness often come in quiet, unspoken ways; through daily acts of care and understanding.
Gratitude transforms ordinary interactions into sacred exchanges of goodwill.
Deepavali also marks a time of renewal, as we discard the old to make way for the new.
This applies not only to possessions but also to emotional baggage.
Many people find themselves trapped in cycles of regret, guilt, or grudges, unable to move forward. By letting go, we reclaim our freedom.
True liberation does not come from external change but from an internal shift in perception. We cannot step into the light while carrying the weight of yesterday’s hurts.
Deepavali encourages us to perform an inner ritual, to release hatreds and make peace with the past.
When we let go, we stop being defined by what went wrong and open ourselves to what can go right.
Life rarely unfolds exactly as we wish. Circumstances, relationships, and outcomes often fall outside our control.
Acceptance is the light that guides us through such uncertainty. It does not mean giving up; instead, it means understanding that everything happens for a reason, even if that reason is not yet apparent.
When we learn to accept life’s flow, we cultivate resilience. Instead of resisting reality, we adapt and grow.
Acceptance softens the edges of disappointment and brings peace to the heart.
It reminds us that while we cannot control every event, we can always choose our response.
Deepavali teaches that light and darkness coexist, just as joy and sorrow, success and struggle, form part of the same journey.
The key is to keep our inner flame steady despite the winds of change.
Every home that glows on Deepavali night tells a story of renewal and hope.
Yet, the true radiance of the festival comes not from the lamps outside, but from the light that shines within.
The outer illumination finds its meaning only when it mirrors inner clarity.
Take a quiet moment before the celebrations begin.
Sit in stillness, close your eyes, and imagine lighting a lamp within your heart.
Dedicate it to peace, to forgiveness, to appreciation, and to acceptance.
When the heart glows with these virtues, every light becomes an offering of harmony to yourself, your family, and the world around you.
Happy Deepavali!
Award-winning writer Dr T. Selva is the author of the bestsellers Vasthu Sastra Guide and Secrets of Happy Living. To get a copy, WhatsApp 019-2728464. He can be reached at drtselvas@gmail.com. Facebook: Vasthu Sastra