Every year, as the nights grow longer and the air turns cooler, India begins to sparkle with anticipation. The faint scent of diyas mingles with that of sweets, homes are dusted and decorated, and hearts prepare to welcome the festival of light — Deepawali.
Deepawali, or Diwali, has always been more than just a festival. It’s a story — of Rama’s return to Ayodhya, of light triumphing over darkness, of knowledge dispelling ignorance, and of togetherness transcending distance. It’s a reminder that even the smallest lamp can push back the deepest shadows.
But as our lives have become faster, busier, and more digital, something subtle has changed. The festival that once illuminated our homes now seems to illuminate our phones instead.
From Diyas to Displays
There was a time when Deepawali meant more than decoration — it was preparation, participation, and prayer. Weeks before the festival, families cleaned every corner of their homes, not just for appearance but as a symbolic renewal of spirit.
Children eagerly waited to help roll out laddus and chaklis with their grandparents. Neighbours exchanged trays of sweets and small gifts. Diyas were lined up along verandas, glowing softly into the night, their light reflecting in every face gathered around them.
Every gesture, every meeting, carried warmth. The greetings were personal — spoken with eye contact, shared with smiles, and sealed with hugs.
Now: A Digital Kind of Diwali
Today, our celebrations begin with the soft ping of a notification.
“Happy Diwali ✨,” says a message — one of fifty similar ones arriving before breakfast.
We scroll through identical forwards, each carrying stock images of diyas and fireworks, Our phones glow brighter than the lamps on our balconies.
It’s not that we care any less — it’s that convenience has replaced connection. The act of wishing has become effortless, and with effort goes intention.
Lighting Lamps, Not Just Screens
And yet, Deepawali’s essence is timeless. Its light isn’t just about fire or electricity — it’s about warmth, joy, and renewal. Technology doesn’t have to take that away; it can, if we allow it, help us reconnect in new ways.
This year, instead of a mass forward, send a personal voice message to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Instead of posting a “Happy Diwali” status, video call your parents or an old friend. Light diyas not just for tradition, but with gratitude — for the people, moments, and memories that shaped your year.
The Real Glow
Deepawali is not just a festival of lamps; it’s a reminder to look for light — and to share it.
The light we kindle in others’ hearts lasts far longer than any sparkler or string light ever could.
So, this year, let’s bring back the old warmth in new ways. Let’s wish less with our thumbs and more with our time. Let’s let our homes — and our hearts — do the glowing.
Because no WhatsApp message, no matter how well designed, can ever replace the soft, golden magic of a diya lit by hand and shared in person.
Happy Deepawali!
May your homes shine with joy, your hearts with peace, and your connections with meaning.
Santa's Reindeer 