Happy Diwali!

Pushpak Vimana

I like festivals because they provide us occasions to be happy for no personal reasons. We cook and eat festive food, clean and decorate our homes, and go on shopping spree in the name of tradition.

For believers, Diwali is a day to commemorate Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya on his Pushpaka Vimana after killing the demon king Ravana who had kidnapped his wife Sita. Lord Rama ended the evil empire with the help of an army of monkeys.


While most of the 0.9 billion Hindus believe every word of this epic story, the 2.1 billion Christians, 1.5 billion Muslims, and 1.1 billion nonbelievers would say, for the sake of civility, that it is a work of fiction. Off the record, every adherent of one religion considers the others' beliefs simply bullshit.

Once I was cornered by an Indian communist who passionately told me that the Ramayana was not a simple work of fiction rather it served the purpose of the ruling class to maintain the status quo, and was a tool for oppression used to manipulate the common people. The story of Rama lays down examples for the followers to dutifully obey the father, the husband, and the rulers without questioning, even if they were wrong. According to him, such indoctrination has stunted the progress of the Indian society.

For a few days, let us sweep aside all those skeptics and continue with our celebrations. If you are done making gujhias, go and clean your temple for the puja. More about the important ritual of worshipping the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, on Diwali night in my next post. Until then be happy, it's Diwali!