The Light That Changed Everything | Diwali Moral Story

Introduction

During Diwali, people have beautiful lights in their homes, streets are themselves full of excitement and families are together and celebrate. But, what is it about this festival that is unique?

It's not the number of lamps that we light or decorations that we put up. In some instances, kindness can provide the greatest happiness in the smallest way.

A heartwarming story about a little boy who finds out the real meaning of Diwali.

Story:

Once upon a time, there was a small village where everyone was busy getting ready for Diwali. Colourful lights were draped outside the houses, beautiful rangoli designs were created on the doorsteps and the small clay lamps were placed all over.

A young boy named Arjun was amongst the excited villagers. It was Diwali and he was looking forward to it and wanted his house to be as beautiful as possible.

His father had purchased some coloured clay lamps and his mother was preparing tasty sweets. Arjun was delighted to decorate the house with his parents, hanging lamp after lamp in the windows, and in the doorway.

When it was getting dusk, he went out to watch the beautiful decorations. It was then that something drew his attention.

There was a small old house at the end of the street. It was owned by an old woman Lakshmi who had no one to live with. She didn't have any decorations, any lights of colour, and not a single lamp that would shine on her house as did the other houses.

Arjun felt curious. Why didn't she celebrate Diwali?

Gently, he approached her house, and asked her why her house was so dark, "Grandmother. Have you been celebrating Diwali today?

Lakshmi smiled at him with a smile.Lakshmi's smile was soft.

"Of course I would love to celebrate, my child, Diwali has always been my favourite festival, but this year I am not able to buy the lamps or oil – so, I thought I would spend the evening at home.

Arjun was sad at her words. He didn't know that someone around him was not enjoying the festival, and was missing the joy.

Coming home, he saw the beautiful lamps that he had set up. Then, he started to have a different mindset.

Why are we all putting up such pretty Christmas lights if someone is nearby who can't see them?

Arjun immediately picked up a small clay lamp, filled it with oil and lit the lamp carefully.

He took it to Lakshmi's house and said with a happy smile, "Grandmother, this lamp is for you. Now your home can glow!

Lakshmi was moved to tears. She put the little lamp in her hands, and her eyes filled with tears, and she took it.

Thank you, my dear, you have added more happiness to me than you could ever imagine," she said.

But, Arjun felt that one little lamp was not enough. He wanted her to have fun just as everybody else during the festival.

He went back and reported this to his friends. His friends readily agreed to assist him. Some brought additional lamps, some brought oil and sweets, and a few even brought home made yummy snacks.

Soon, the little house became a lovely home with all the lights lit and the decorations made cheerful.

Lakshmi's still home was filled for the first time in that evening with laughter and happiness.

She was able to welcome the children and share the sweets with them and blessed them with a smile.

Arjun's father was very proud of all this, after watching from a distance.

He walked towards his son, put his hand on his shoulder and said,

My dear son, you have taught us something very special today when you lit the lamps to make our homes beautiful, you lit lamps to bring happiness into the life of another, that's the true essence of Diwali.

Arjun gazed at the little lamp that was burning near Lakshmi's door and smiled.

He had decided that he would make his house the brightest house in the village. But now he knew that what made him happy most was to share what he had with others.

The Diwali was something that he would remember forever with his heart.

Moral of the Story

The real essence of Diwali is not about the decorative trinkets, lighted colourful lights or the number of lamps that we light. It is about being kind, generous and enjoying life with others.

Happy Diwali!

May this festival of Lights bring Peace to all homes, Happiness to all hearts, Hope to all lives.

Instead of lighting a lamp in your home, do something more this Diwali. Make one person's life brighter. 🪔