I hope you enjoyed the Diwali holidays as I did! I was going through the festive greetings and responding to all our well-wishers when I read this text forwarded by a close friend of mine. I thought that it was the perfect message for my blog for my young readers to read. I am taking the liberty to share the complete message (of an anonymous author) here:
The festival has gone as suddenly as it had arrived. Your colourful diyas now protectively hold tiny pools of melted wax and ash. Your rangolis are still radiant, albeit slightly dishevelled.
As you walk on the streets this morning, you catch sight of last night’s celebrations all around, and you probably see or hear yourself and your loved ones laughing, in that very spot that someone cracked a joke yesterday.
Friends and extended family have now gone back home, making promises to meet again soon.
The sweets and savouries have now been stored away and will be served at tea-time, as mementoes of Diwali.
The clothes and jewellery that you chose with great care, that made their grand appearance yesterday, have been put away for the next big occasion. I hope you’ve taken pictures to preserve the memories.
As all the festivities slowly recede into the distance, I ask you for a promise that in your heart, you will let the lights remain; that in spirit and being, your celebrations will continue; that you will attempt to meet your loved ones a little more often. And that the laughter that came in abundance yesterday will make an appearance every day.
Life should be a continuous celebration — a festival of lights the whole year-round. Till then Keep the glow of face, heart & spirits high.
Diwali is slowly taking your leave now. It is time to bid goodbye to it but keep the sparkle inside you till it is back next year. Here’s wishing you all a happy festive spirit all year round.
Remember, Buddha’s last words were-
“APPO DEEPO BHAVA”
“Be a lamp unto yourself.” Be your own light.