Moneypoor Diwali

Rev Fr Paul Lelen Haokip *

Diwali :: Artwork by Phurailatpam Banti

INTRODUCTION:

You could sound'Sanaleipak' as Manipur, Manipoor, Manypoor, Moneypoor, etc. depending on your view and observation. Undoubtedly, Sanaleipak is a land of festival. In a state like ours when evil is thriving and darkness is perpetuated, the victory of light over darkness needs to be extolled to encourage every responsible soul towards growth.

The Diwali, Ningol Chakkouba and the Chavang Kut are closest big three-sister feasts on the threshold. Diwali, also known as Deepavali and the «festival of lights", is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in autumn every year. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. 

Deepawali or Diwali is certainly the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals. It's the festival of lights (deep = light and avali = a row i.e., a row of lights).The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartik. In the Gregorian calendar, Diwali night falls between mid-October and mid-November.

BIBLICAL LIGHTS:

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (John 9:5). "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden" (Matthew 5:14). This is why it is said: "Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you" (Ephesians 5:14).

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves" (Malachi 4:2)."Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn" (Isaiah 60: 1-3).

THE ORIGIN OF DIWALI:

Historically, the origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, when it was probably an important harvest festival . However, there are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali or 'Deepawali.' Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the dark goddess of strength. 

Lord Ganesha , the elephant-headed God, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshiped in most Hindu homes on this day. InJainism, Deepawali has an added significance to the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of nirvana. Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen year-long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers.

UNDENIALBLE ISSUES:

There has been growing concern and questions on the economic drain, environmental and health impact of Diwali, as with other major festivals of the world. Poorer self, Air pollution and Burn Injuries from fireworks are three most studied issues.

Poorer Self: The tendency to buy for self, or for others, those fireworks is compelling some as the nature-call would. Within few seconds, your hard-earned money is blasted and you consciously contribute to air pollution at the expense of your innocent neighbours.

Air pollution: Scholars report that air pollution worsens not as much during fireworks, but after fireworks celebration is over, with peak PM2.5 about four times worse than pre-Diwali levels, and average levels about two times a normal day. This study indicated that there is high accumulation of PM2.5 generated due to fireworks on Diwali festival which remains suspended in the air. Particle pollution (also known as "particulate matter") in the air includes a mixture of solids and liquid droplets.

Some particles are emitted directly; others are formed in the atmosphere when other pollutants react. Particles come in a wide range of sizes. Those less than 10 micrometers in diameter (PM10) are so small that they can get into the lungs, potentially causing serious health problems. Ten micrometers is smaller than the width of a single human hair.

Fine particles (PM2.5): Particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter are called "fine" particles. These particles are so small they can be detected only with an electron microscope. Sources of fine particles include all types of combustion, including motor vehicles, power plants, residential wood burning, forest fires, agricultural burning, and some industrial processes.Coarse dust particles: Particles between 2.5 and 10 micrometers in diameter are referred to as "coarse." Sources of coarse particles include crushing or grinding operations, and dust stirred up by vehicles traveling on roads.

The peak pollution lasts for about one day, and the pollutant concentrations return to background levels after 24 hours. Attri et al.report ground level ozone pollution is also formed during Diwali, as with fireworks celebrations around the world on New Year eve or respective national Independence Day. The dispersal and decay times for increased ground level ozone is also about one day.

Burn Injuries: There is an increase in burn injuries fireworks in India during Diwali. A firework called anar (fountain) has been found to cause 65% of the injuries. Adults, not children, are typical victims. Newspapers advise use of cold water splash immediately after burn, which along with proper nursing of the wound helps reduce complications. Vast majority of burns are Group I type burns (minor) requiring outpatient care.

DIWALI REFLECTION:

To be light, you need to be either energised or serve as a medium of another energy/force. If you are able to read, thank God for the light you are receiving now. If you really know the significance of light and its societal effects, you would jump out to celebrate Diwali.Be the light for your family members and society.

CONCLUSION:

In each legend, myth and story of Deepawali, lies the significance of the victory of good over evil; and it is with each Deepawali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts, that this simple truth finds new reason and hope. From darkness unto light — the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which brings us closer to divinity.

During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of fire-crackers, joy, togetherness and hope. Diwali is celebrated around the globe. Do you want this Diwali to enrich, enlighten or drain, darken you? Every good thing starts from a simple decision. Decide for light.