Friday, December 5, 2025
ADVT 
Feature

Beyond the Lamps: Lessons of Light and Love

Ancy Mendonza Darpan, 16 Oct, 2025
  • Beyond the Lamps: Lessons of Light and Love

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of those times of year that truly warms the heart. Homes sparkle, sweets fill every table, and there’s laughter in the air. But beyond the beautiful diyas and celebrations, Diwali also brings with it a gentle reminder of what truly matters—light over darkness, love over ego, and community over isolation. 

As we prepare our homes and hearts for the festivities, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the lessons Diwali quietly teaches us, lessons that stay long after the candles go out. 

At its core, Diwali celebrates hope. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, light will always find a way through. Whether it’s overcoming a personal struggle, helping someone in need, or simply choosing to stay kind in a world that can sometimes feel unkind, that’s the true essence of Diwali. Every flicker of a diya is a small but powerful symbol of positivity—a reminder that goodness always prevails. 

It’s also a time when families come together, and that togetherness feels especially meaningful in today’s fast-paced world. Preparing sweets, decorating homes, sharing laughter—these simple acts connect generations. They remind children of their roots and bring elders the joy of seeing traditions continue. Diwali is about belonging, and about reminding each other that no matter where life takes us, home is the people we love. 

The festival also inspires kindness. Every act of giving, whether it’s sharing food, donating to those less fortunate, or just being there for someone—adds to the collective brightness of the season. The joy of Diwali isn’t only in receiving but in giving with a full heart. It’s in lighting someone else’s day, in the same way a single lamp can light many others without losing its own glow. 

More than ever, Diwali is also about mindfulness. In the excitement of fireworks and parties, there’s a growing awareness to celebrate responsibly—to choose eco-friendly lights, avoid excess, and remember that the truest light is one that doesn’t harm the world around us. A quieter, greener Diwali is just as meaningful — and perhaps even more beautiful. 

And while the festival may look different across regions and cultures, its essence remains the same a celebration of renewal and positivity. That diversity is something to cherish. Each community adds its own touch, its own story, yet we all come together under the same radiant glow of Diwali lights. 

This year, as we celebrate, let’s take a moment to appreciate the light within and around us — the friendships, the laughter, the resilience, and the simple joys that make life bright. Diwali is not just a festival; it’s a feeling — one that invites us to start fresh, spread kindness, and carry the warmth of its message long after the last sparkler fades. 

Here’s to lighting up our lives — and others’ — with love, gratitude, and hope. 

Happy Diwali from all of us at DARPAN. 

MORE Feature ARTICLES

In Conversation With Stewart Prest - A Political Science Expert On The Stepping Down Of BC Premier,

In Conversation With Stewart Prest - A Political Science Expert On The Stepping Down Of BC Premier,

With a PhD in political science, Stewart Prest researches, writes and teaches about various areas of political science, including provincial and federal Canadian politics and institutions. In an exclusive interview with DARPAN Magazine, he talks about the BC Premier - John Horgan stepping down and the future of BC politics. 

Summer Is Here! Learn How To Keep Your Child Active & Healthy This Summer

Summer Is Here! Learn How To Keep Your Child Active & Healthy This Summer

Certain research suggests that about 40% of the usual volume of physical activity for children and youth occurs during school hours! That's right, almost half of the movement kids do is at school, so now just guess what happens when they stop attending for eight weeks. 

WATCH: Meet Businesswoman Bushra Ahsan

WATCH: Meet Businesswoman Bushra Ahsan

She is an entrepreneur, a businesswoman, a mother of 3, and holds portfolios with different organizations. She tells all on how to maintain balance in the work/life sphere. 

Introducing the Violence Intervention Program: You Can Help a Loved One in Need By Juspreet Gurm, M

Introducing the Violence Intervention Program: You Can Help a Loved One in Need  By Juspreet Gurm, M

When the person causing harm is someone the victim knows and maybe even loves, violence and abuse can cause feelings of shame, confusion, and helplessness for the victim; and take on new levels of danger. This is why every one of us needs to step up to support survivors of violence in their time of need. Everyone deserves to be safe.

 

 

Preserving History and Beyond: The South Asian Canadian Legacy Project

Preserving History and Beyond: The South Asian Canadian Legacy Project

For five years, Dr. Bains and her team developed and implemented a plan to (re)cover the long and triumphant history, heritage, and culture of South Asians in BC by traveling to seven regions across BC. The travels acquainted the team in greater detail with the history of migration, settlement, and adaptation by South Asians from the early 1900s to contemporary times.

10 Greatest Figures in Sikh History

10 Greatest Figures in Sikh History

The Sikh history is enshrined with glorious sagas, plenty of struggle, relentless battles and the perseverance of some remarkable warriors and saints who have played a key role in shaping the social, religious, and political milieu of the Sikh faith. This Vaisakhi, we bring to you some of the most significant and revered Sikh figures, who have made their mark in the pages of Sikh history eons ago.