HAF Deepavali Message

With the eternal verses of this ancient Hindu prayer of hope and optimism, expressing the highest desires of mankind, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) wishes one and all an auspicious, joyous and fruitful Deepavali.  The Deepavali resolution HAF authored and that was introduced into the House of Representatives last month by Congressman Joseph Crowley (D, NY) celebrates the message of this day for so many Hindus, including Sikhs and Jains, and recognizes its utmost significance.  Despite the diversity in Hindu rituals, practice and beliefs, Deepavali binds all Hindus together with its symbolic power and the festive frenzy of its celebrants.  HAF is honored today to bring Deepavali messages and blessings from many of the most prominent and respected Hindu spiritual seers of our time and hopes that their words will inspire new perspectives and inspirations among all celebrants.

Deepavali is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the waning phase of the moon in the month of Kartik (October - November). It is the darkest night of the darkest period of the year, and yet it is a celebration of light! The celebration of Deepavali symbolizes the aspiration of all Hindus to vanquish the ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away the darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge.

Every cultural practice associated with Deepavali is in sync with this deep sentiment. The dark night is illuminated with millions of small lamps (the word “Deepavali” itself means “rows of lamps”).  Hope and optimism are reflected in the celebrations of the New Year in many parts of India and in the actions of merchants that balance their accounts and begin a new fiscal year on Deepavali. It is a fresh start for all. All homes and business establishments are specially cleaned on this day; but the Hindu also knows that the real effort is also to cleanse one’s own heart—to make it fit as an abode for God.

It is the sheer joy that the people of Ayodhya must have felt as their Lord Ram returned victorious after slaying Ravana, and the relief of the people of Pradyoshapuram when Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasura that we relive today and celebrate exuberantly in so many ways.  Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity is worshipped today as celebrants light lamps in their homes in anticipation of her annual visit.  For in the meaning of “Shubh Laabh,” the words always found with the Goddess, celebrants appreciate the progressive Hindu philosophy that sees righteous acquisition of material wealth as part of an orderly ascent to the acquisition of spiritual wealth.

Deepavali is a period of hope as well as of thanksgiving. It is a time of optimism, of renewal, of sharing and of joy. Diwali is heralded as the triumph of good over evil, of righteousness over treachery, of truth over falsehood, and of light over darkness. On this Deepavali day, the Hindu American Foundation appreciates your continued support and redoubles its efforts to serve as a voice for all Hindu Americans.  A happy Deepavali to one and all!