DIWALI

The Festival of Lights

The festival of lamps has arrived,
Bringing radiance to every home and courtyard.
Houses, humble or grand, stand side by side,
With little and large courtyards shining bright.

Floors are plastered with cow dung and clay,
Washed and cleaned to welcome the festive day.
Beautiful rangolis adorn the ground,
In flowers, rice paste, and colours all around.

The elders are busy with electric lights,
Lighting candles and earthen lamps so bright.
The little ones, with enthusiasm and care,
Build lovely miniature homes with flair.

With bricks, clay, cardboard, and thermocol,
They create tiny houses, each with a special role.
In little earthen pots, they lovingly place
Puffed rice, sugar drops, and laddoos with grace.

Whose miniature home looks the best?
This question keeps everyone engrossed in the contest.
Each child tries with all their might,
To make their little creation the finest sight.

They believe that Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
Will bless these new little homes with their presence.
They will shower their blessings upon us all,
And make our lives prosperous and wonderful.

Sparklers, spinning wheels, flowerpots, and rockets,
Firecrackers of every kind fill the markets.
Children brim with excitement and delight,
As elders join them to light up the night.

Flames of fire rise high into the sky,
With loud bursts and sparkling colours flying by.
A magical spectacle of light and sound
Continues throughout the night all around.

In the evening, dressed in brand-new clothes,
Everyone prepares as the festive spirit grows.
At the auspicious hour, prayers begin,
And lamps are lit with devotion within.

Puffed rice, sugar drops, coconuts, and sweets
Are shared and enjoyed as everyone meets.
Visiting one another’s homes with affection,
People embrace, celebrating love and connection.

A message echoes, inspiring and bright:
The victory of light over darkness and night.
Many ancient legends and sacred tales
Are linked with this festival that never pales.

It celebrates Lord Rama’s victorious return,
When lamps across Ayodhya began to burn.
It also welcomes Lakshmi and Ganesha with cheer,
Praying for prosperity throughout the year.

In certain places, people worship with devotion
Goddess Kali, the Divine Mother of protection.
She removes fear, safeguards everyone,
And blesses her devotees with prosperity and fortune.

On the dark new-moon night, in every direction,
Thousands of lamps glow with brilliant reflection.
The festival of light spreads joy everywhere,
As villages and cities shine with festive splendour.

— Vidya