Diwali: From the Festival of Lights to the Festival of Pollution — Let’s Bring Back Its True Meaning

 Hi friends,

This is Varun Kumar, and today I would like to share something that’s very close to my heart — the real meaning of Diwali and how, over time, this beautiful festival of lights has slowly turned into a festival of pollution.

We often celebrate Diwali with great enthusiasm — decorating our homes, buying new clothes, and lighting diyas. But somewhere along the way, we’ve forgotten what Diwali truly stands for. Let’s take a step back and understand where it all began. 🌸

🌼 The Real Meaning of Diwali

The word Diwali (or Deepavali) comes from Sanskrit — Deepa means light, and Avali means a row.
So Deepavali literally means “a row of lights.”

According to ancient Hindu scriptures like the Skanda Purana and Padma Purana, the festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

Different regions of India celebrate it for different reasons:

• In North India, it marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.

• In South India, it celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura.

• In Western India, it honors Lord Vamana’s return after subduing King Bali.

• In Eastern India, it is a day to worship Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Kali.

But one thing remains the same everywhere — the light of the diya, which represents purity, positivity, and divine energy.

🪔 How Diwali Was Originally Celebrated

In ancient times, Diwali was celebrated most simply and purely:

• People cleaned and decorated their homes to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.

• They lit earthen lamps (diyas) around their houses.

• Families performed the Lakshmi Puja, prayed together, and shared sweets.

• Charity (Dāna) and compassion were at the heart of the celebration.

There were no fireworks or loud sounds — just the peaceful glow of lamps, the fragrance of flowers, and the sound of prayers.

💥 How It Changed Over Time

Over the centuries, the way we celebrate Diwali began to change.
When gunpowder and fireworks were introduced to India during medieval times, kings used them in their celebrations. Gradually, the tradition spread to common people.

Now, for many, Diwali has become about:

• Bursting crackers endlessly

• Creating smoke and noise

• Competing over who lights the biggest firework

Unfortunately, this shift has turned a sacred celebration into a source of pollution — both for the environment and for our peace of mind.

⚠️ The Dark Side — From Light to Pollution

Each year after Diwali, air pollution levels rise sharply.
Birds and animals get terrified by loud sounds.
Elderly people and children suffer from breathing problems.

What’s painful is that we now call it the Festival of Lights, but the lights are hidden behind clouds of smoke.

🌿 What the Scriptures Actually Say

The Skanda Purana beautifully states:

“He who lights lamps on Kartika Amavasya attains prosperity and removes all darkness.”

Nowhere do the Puranas mention bursting crackers.
The focus is always on light, purity, devotion, and gratitude.

True Diwali means lighting the lamp within — the lamp of wisdom, compassion, and peace.

✨ Finally : Light the World, Don’t Smoke It

Diwali was never about noise — it was about peace.
It was never about pollution — it was about purity.
It was never about showing off — it was about sharing.

So this year, let’s celebrate a clean, calm, and conscious Diwali.
Let’s make it a festival that honors our culture, respects our environment, and fills our hearts with divine light.

Because the true Diwali is not outside —
It’s the light that shines within us. 🕊️🪔