Diwali Celebrations Brings Light and Love to All

Divine Diwali celebrations at Parmarth Niketan, with the blessings of HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, brought together people from all across the world and around India.

Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji’s inspiring words encouraged people from all walks of life to reflect on the deeper meaning and purpose of this beautiful festival of lights. Pujya Swamiji shared how the Indian spiritual culture believed that everyday should be an ustav (a celebration) and explained that the root of the word utsav (uts) meant roots. He shared that these celebrations were opportunities to connect with our roots, with our true Self and therein lies the foundation of making everyday a celebration.

He also shared about His recent trip to the border to celebrate Diwali with the soldiers and shared not just one diya but all of Diwali, on the banks of Mother Ganga, at Parmarth Niketan was dedicated to our soldiers and to our Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi – Prime Minister Of India, for his great vision and dedication to the service of Bharat Mata. There was a beautiful song “Aai Meri Watan Ke Logo” by Sadhvi Abha Saraswatiji dedicated to our soldiers that reminded us of the great sacrifices of our soldiers and touched everyone deeply.

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati ji shared about the great significance of light in the Indian spiritual tradition. She encouraged everyone to take this time to let the light of truth and wisdom into our hearts and into our lives. She also shared how Diwali was also a day in which we celebrate the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of exile, but she emphasized how God is never really gone from our lives but that we just forget God’s unconditional presence and so Diwali is a time to welcome the Divine, by any shape or any form, back into our lives. She emphasized that the true wealth, the true prosperity for which we pray to Maha Lakshmi is not physical wealth, not what’s in our bank accounts but the inner awareness and experience of abundance which comes from being connected to the Divine.

People and pilgrims from all walks of life and every part of the world joyously held the earthen lamps of Diwali. Before the special Ganga Aarti ceremony there was a divine Lakshmi Poojan by the banks of Mother Ganga. Thereafter Lakshmiji Ki Aarti and Gangaji Ki Aarti and sankirtan. There was also a pledge to serve our world as warriors of Peace, light and love, especially to ensure that our sacred natural resources are protected and preserved for future generations.

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