Celebrating the Festival of Lights
One of the most significant festivals of India is the ‘Festival of Lights’ – Deepawali, where according to tradition the entire city was lit up when Lord Ram returned after being away in exile for 14 years. There was rejoicing and people welcomed him with lit lamps.
Unfortunately today, these beautiful clay lamps have been replaced by electric fancy lights and decorated lamps. These lamps have robbed the poor of their livelihood. It is heartening to find that in the township of Patna, people still value these clay lamps.
We at Aashray Abhiyan also gathered together in our office to pray together as a family and to welcome the Light. As we lit the lamps, we prayed that we would dispel the darkness of ignorance, hatred, enmity with knowledge, love and humankind. As it is a time of ‘giving’ gifts were given to acknowledge the contribution of the frontline workers to the growth of the organization.
Puja was also performed in keeping with the tradition of welcoming the goddess of wealth Lakshmi. As we believe in inclusiveness we respect the practice of all religions and honor the sentiments of our members.