Diwali: "Fiji the Way the World Should Be"

Some 2,000 mainly Australian tourists arriving in Suva on the Sun Princess today were disappointed the shops were closed due to Fiji Day.  But they were also closed as Indian shopkeepers prepare their shops for the five-day Hindu celebration Diwali (Deepavali) that starts this week. This is the Festival of Lights that brings families together and -- on one of the days when Hindu (and Sikh) families invite their neighbours, friends and colleagues of all faiths to their homes to celebrate --  it also brings together many parts of the nation. 

Then, briefly, Fiji appears to be the "way the world should be" as you sit in the home of your Hindu host and hostess in the company of people of all beliefs. And then perhaps pass through a rural settlement or the peri-urban houses of the Hindu poor after sunset to see porchways and flower gardens lit with lines of diya (wicks in small clay pots filled with oil). Or drive around the wealthier suburbs in the larger towns to see the homes of the rich festooned in thousands of coloured lights.

The origin of Diwali lies deep in Hindu tradition, with details varying from region to region,  but the spiritual essence is the same: awareness of the inner light (Atman) and the underlying oneness of all things (Brahman). At a shallower and more symbolic level it celebrates the homecoming of Rama after his 14-year exile and defeat of the evil Ravana, and so seen it celebrates the victory of goodness over evil. Each day has a special significance. The first celebrates the birth of the goddess Lakskmi, the second the defeat of Ravana (or Naraka by  Krishna in another tradition), the third is Diwali when Lakshmi has a central place. The fourth day, the first day of the Hindu new year, is a day of prayer, and the fifth is dedicated to sisters, when brothers are invited to their homes.  

The Wikipedia entry explains the festival's deeper meaning: "Central to Hindu philosophy is the assertion that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite, and eternal, called the Atman. Just as we celebrate the birth of our physical being, Deepavali is the celebration of this inner light, in particular the knowing of which outshines all darkness (removes all obstacles and dispels all ignorance), awakening the individual to one's true nature, not as the body, but as the unchanging, infinite, immanent and transcendent reality. With the realization of the Atman comes universal compassion, love, and the awareness of the oneness of all things (higher knowledge). This brings Ananda (inner joy or peace). Deepavali celebrates this through festive fireworks, lights, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship."

Diwali this year falls on Saturday 17th October.

Diwali's message has special relevance to Fiji at the present time. Happy Diwali Everyone!