Today marks Diwali 2024, and I find myself in Jaipur celebrating this significant festival. The city has transformed itself for the occasion, with homes and streets decorated with lights and diyas. The preparation for Diwali began several days ago, with the traditional cleaning and organizing of spaces, both physical and mental. This year's celebration feels different, perhaps because of the changing dynamics of how we perceive and celebrate festivals in our increasingly fast-paced world. The essence of Diwali remains unchanged though - it continues to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
The story of Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile has been told countless times, but this year it made me think about patience and perseverance in a new light. In today's world of instant gratification and quick results, the fourteen-year wait that Lord Ram endured teaches us something valuable about time and its role in achieving our goals. Looking back at my own experiences this year, I've noticed how often we rush through life, expecting immediate outcomes. The mythology of Diwali reminds us that some journeys are meant to be long, and that waiting period often serves as a time for growth and preparation.
Celebrating Diwali in Jaipur brings its own unique perspective to the festival. The Pink City has a way of blending tradition with contemporary life that makes the celebration more meaningful. The local markets are filled with traditional sweets and decorations, while modern elements like LED lights and digital greetings coexist with traditional diyas and hand-written cards. This blend of old and new mirrors our own lives, where we constantly balance traditional values with modern necessities. The city's architecture provides a perfect backdrop for the festival, with ancient havelis and modern buildings alike adorned with lights, creating a sense of continuity between past and present.
As we step into the new year according to the Hindu calendar, I wish everyone a year filled with growth and learning. This Diwali has taught me that true progress often requires patience and persistence, much like the steady flame of a diya that continues to burn despite the wind. While we celebrate this festival of lights, let's remember that like the small diya that pushes back darkness, even our smallest efforts toward positive change can make a significant impact. Here's hoping that the coming year brings opportunities for growth, learning, and meaningful connections for all of us. Happy Diwali 2024.