DIWALI – HOME COMING.
As a postlude to my write-up titled, “Wars and Festivals” that spoke of historical, mythological and individual battles, here is “Home Coming”.
We all know Diwali is the celebration of Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya. After 14 years long tryst with resolving social issues of the day, facing the harsh forest life, taking back the empire that was deceitfully usurped within the family and waging a war with an Asur King to rescue his wife, he returned to his land triumphant, with newly developed skills, followers, learnings and stories to share. His journey stretched from North to South, and on his way, he touched the hearts of many. Grand décors, sumptuous feasts and open arms with glistened eyes welcomed him. Ayodhya was adorned with diyas to welcome its awaited and deserving king. The stories of his valour and victory spread far and wide as his coronation announced the dawn of Ram Rajya. The foundation of a new kind of leadership was laid – by a leader who ruled by being an example and who first practised and then preached.