Festival

 The very word "festival" evokes a sense of joy, happiness, and radiance.

Across much of the world, the final four months of the year are filled with a festive atmosphere. In nearly every religion and every nation, people celebrate something during this period.
Regardless of the underlying reason—be it religion, nationality, ethnicity, region, or profession—these festivals are defined by happiness, laughter, friendship, and family. And no matter what customs you follow to observe your particular festival, food, music, and dance are always there to accompany you.

And there are three things that truly make a festival a festival: colors, light, and fragrance. You might light incense sticks, apply perfume, or scatter flowers to bring in fragrance; you might use oil lamps (diyas), candles, or strings of colorful lights to provide illumination; and you might incorporate vibrant decorations, wear shimmering clothes, or hang lanterns on your walls to add color. Without these three elements, no festival is ever truly complete.

When you think about it, these elements enhance one another—much like colorful fairy lights that bring both vibrant hues and radiance, or scented candles that cast a glow while spreading a delightful fragrance. 

In the same way, the aroma of luscious sweets and delectable food adds a special luster to any festival. Bringing it all together are the gatherings of family and friends—filled with laughter, playful banter, lighthearted teasing, music, dance, and conversations that range from the meaningful to the trivial. It is this combination that transforms an ordinary date on the calendar into a true celebration.

Tomorrow is Diwali, the festival of lights. Across the globe, followers of the Hindu faith will celebrate it with colors, lights, and fragrances. Yet, regardless of the religion or the specific festival—be it Diwali, Christmas, Eid, or Hanukkah—these celebrations are marked by weaving together colors, lights, and fragrances, much like adorning oneself with jewels. To this, one adds the flavors of delicious food, the warmth of friendship and family, bursts of laughter, stories, songs, and an abundance of joy.

I conclude this piece with a prayer: may this Diwali be so filled with color, light, and fragrance for you—the reader—that it transforms every sorrow into pure joy. May you, together with your family, friends, and neighbors, celebrate this Diwali—and all the festivals to come (regardless of the religion or country they belong to)—surrounded by color, light, and fragrance.

Wishing you a very happy Diwali!