As the fall is upon us, a season rich with reflection, gratitude and celebration, millions across the world are celebrating Divali, the Festival of Lights. This radiant festival invites us to look beyond the brilliance of lamps and fireworks to discover the deeper light that dwells within each of us.
Derived from the Sanskrit word deepavali, meaning “a row of lights,” Divali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs around the globe, the five days of Divali span the darkest night between the lunar months of Ashvin and Kartik, from Oct. 18-22, with the main day falling today, Monday, Oct. 20.
Each day carries special meaning: renewal, gratitude, devotion and the honoring of love and family bonds. Homes are cleaned and refreshed, decorated with vibrant rangoli designs, filled with the scent of flowers, and illuminated with countless diyas (lamps) that remind us that even a single flame can dispel great darkness. The day after Divali marks a new year for many, a time to exchange blessings and begin anew with hope and clarity.
Yet Divali is more than an external celebration. It is also a spiritual invitation: to cleanse the mind of negativity, to overcome ignorance with understanding, and to open our hearts to God’s presence within. The true celebration begins when the light we kindle outwardly also illuminates our inner world – bringing forth compassion, humility and peace.
In this way, Divali beautifully parallels Marquette’s Jesuit calling us to “set the world on fire.” Both traditions call us to let divine light ignite our hearts, not only to brighten our own path but to radiate that light toward others. The diyas that shine during Divali are symbols of this shared mission, each small flame joining others to dispel collective darkness and illuminate the world with love, justice and hope.
Just as we light our homes during Divali, we are also encouraged to light five inner lamps: the lamp of discipline that guides us to live with purpose; the lamp of knowledge that dispels misunderstanding; the lamp of service that transforms ego into compassion; the lamp of fellowship that strengthens faith and community; and the lamp of remembrance that keeps us connected to the divine in every thought and action.
This Divali, may we each take a moment to reflect on the light within and share it generously – with those we love, with those in need, and with all members of the Marquette community. Let us hold in our hearts those who suffer around the world and extend our light to them with compassion and prayer.
May the light of Divali remind us that while darkness has no life of its own, light always prevails. And may that light, bright, generous, and divine, continue to shine through all we do, setting the world aflame with faith, service and love.
Questions? Please contact Kalpa Vithalani at kalpa.vithalani@marquette.edu or 414-288-0668.
