By: Niranjan Dev Bharadwaj
Researcher and Analyst, Global Foundation for Advancement of Environment and Human Wellness. Author, Environmentalist and TED speaker
Diwali, the festival that celebrates Lord Rama’s triumphant return to Ayodhya, is a time when lights fill our homes, and joy fills our hearts. It’s a reminder of the victory of light over darkness, of good over evil. But there’s a deeper, often-overlooked message that Diwali carries—the need to live in harmony with the natural world, much like Lord Rama did. His journey, as told in the Ramayana, offers timeless wisdom on caring for the environment, a message just as relevant in today’s world. This Diwali, let us revisit these lessons and see how we can integrate them into image source –
1. Living in Harmony with Nature
During his 14-year exile, Lord Rama lived simply within the forest, taking only what he needed and respecting all that surrounded him. He showed profound reverence for the forests, rivers, and animals. Rama’s life in nature teaches us the importance of living lightly, using resources responsibly, and being mindful of the delicate balance of the environment. In our world of excessive consumption, his example reminds us that we don’t need to take more than what nature offers.
2. Protecting Forests and Wildlife
Rama’s respect for nature went beyond words—he protected it. In the Ramayana, he defended the sanctity of forests, standing against those who desecrated them. In his alliance with the vanaras, or forest-dwellers, Rama emphasized the bond humans share with animals and the natural world. Today, as forests and wildlife face devastating threats, this lesson is a call to action. Just as Lord Rama stood up for nature, we too must advocate for our forests, protect wildlife, and work to restore ecosystems that are on the brink of collapse.
3. Embracing Simplicity and Balance
Lord Rama’s life wasn’t about accumulating wealth or excess but about balance and humility. He demonstrated that strength lies in simplicity and that a meaningful life doesn’t need excesses. This message of moderation is crucial today when consumerism drives environmental destruction. By practicing restraint in our daily lives, we reduce waste, conserve resources, and create a more sustainable world. Diwali, traditionally a festival of light and simplicity, reminds us to seek joy in what we have rather than always seeking more.
4. Respect for All Living Beings
Lord Rama’s empathy extended beyond humans to every living creature. His friendships with Hanuman, the vanaras, and Jatayu the eagle, who sacrificed himself for Sita’s safety, underscore his compassion for all life. This empathy calls on us to rethink our treatment of animals and respect biodiversity. By protecting animal habitats and reducing our ecological footprint, we show kindness to all creatures and honor the natural balance of life.
5. Honoring Sacred Natural Spaces
Throughout his journey, Lord Rama honored sacred rivers, mountains, and forests, seeing them as holy spaces. He didn’t just view nature as a resource but as a gift, worthy of reverence. Imagine if we treated our rivers, mountains, and forests with that same respect. By recognizing these spaces as sacred, we commit to preserving them, safeguarding their beauty for future generations. Diwali, with its lights and prayers, is a reminder of the need to cherish and protect these natural blessings.
6. Unity in Protecting the Earth
To defeat Ravana, Rama united humans, animals, and celestial beings, showing the power of collaboration. Facing today’s environmental crises demands a similar unity, as no single person or country can tackle issues like climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction alone. Diwali calls us to unite as a global family and fight for a sustainable future, just as Rama’s allies joined forces to restore balance.
Diwali is a festival of light, a celebration of goodness, and a reminder of hope. But let’s also remember that light doesn’t just come from lamps; it shines through our actions. Lord Rama’s life teaches us that true victory lies not just in conquering evil but in preserving goodness—in ourselves, in our society, and in nature. This Diwali, let’s carry forward his lessons: embrace simplicity, honor all living beings, respect our natural spaces, and join together to protect our planet.
As we light our diyas, let them be symbols of our commitment to this earth, to the forests, rivers, and animals that sustain us. Let’s celebrate Diwali not only as a festival but as a promise to live in harmony with nature, honoring the legacy of Lord Rama and ensuring that our world remains a place of light and life for generations to come.