Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated by Indians around the world. The five day festival was recognized by many in the department, starting November 14. Rooted in ancient India, the festival is believed to have started as a significant harvest festival.
Diwali is not only enjoyed for brilliant displays of lights and fireworks, but also because it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, of good over evil and of knowledge over ignorance. On this day, diyas (an oil lamp usually made from clay), candles and lamps are placed all around the house, to ‘light’ the way to knowledge and victory.
The celebration of Diwali also serves as a cleansing ritual, one that signifies letting go of all of the past year’s worries and troubles and stepping into the light. In the days leading up to Diwali, families get together to clean, renovate and decorate their respective households and workplaces.
“We light lamps around the house, and we usually get dressed up and go to temple,” said Sriram Machineni, MD, assistant professor in endocrinology and metabolism. “Although it was different this year with COVID-19, we facetimed with family and enjoyed different foods.”
Diwali also marks the onset of winter and the beginning of all things new, both in nature and humanity.
Following is a Diwali poem from Prabir Roy-Chaudhury, MD, professor of medicine in the division of nephrology and hypertension, and Ashwini Roy-Chaudhury, MPH, director of clinical trials in the department of medicine.
(Source: Hindustantimes.com November 12, 2020)