One of the most important Hindu festivals, Diwali or Deepavali, literally translating as ‘rows of lamps’ was celebrated at the Nerul Ashram on Tuesday, November 13, in an atmosphere of prayer and contemplation. Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along withSita and Lakshmana from his 14-year-long exile after vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas and by bursting firecrackers.
Diwali is known as the ‘festival of lights’, leading us from darkness unto light — the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of fire-crackers, joy, togetherness and hope.
The Ashram premises were engulfed in bright light emitted by rows of tiny diyas.The blend of the diyas and flowers lent a serene ambience all around. A Lalita Sahasranama Archana was conducted that was well-attended. At the conclusion of the program, sweets were distributed among all those present.
