Illustration © Ananya Madan, age 8.
This is a poem about Diwali or the Festival of Lights, that is celebrated all over India. It starts on Oct. 18 and ends on the 20th. It coincides with the Hindu New Year. Deepawali literally means Rows of Lights. Homes inside and outside are adorned with rows and rows of lights. The symbolism is that the lights dispel both our inner darkness and the darkness that prevails in the world. The lights symbolize enlightenment. Deepawali is celebrated by people of all religions in India.
— Anita Mohan
Diwali - Festival of Lights
Prayers, hymns, and songs
Resonate in homes early morning
Children wake up delighted
to new clothes, gifts, and toys
Flowers, lamps, and decorations
Adorn hallway and floors in colorful array
Tables filled with variety of
Sweets, Treats, and Feasts
Family and friends gather around
Wishing health, peace, and prosperity
Lights drive away the darkness
Good defeats all that is bad
People pray the world be full of
Love, peace, and happiness
Copyright © Anita R Mohan, October 14, 2017