Triumphing over the dark side

While its trappings may be all about good food, indulging your sweet tooth, extravagant taash parties, buying new clothes and the like, the fact remains, that at its core, Diwali is all about celebrating the conquest of darkness by light. And as our celebrities gear up to bring in the festival of lights, they’re all too aware of this. Alia Bhatt, Sonam Kapoor, Richa Chadda et al, tell us about what for them has been the moment when light has triumphed over darkness, what their wishes are for this Diwali, and the good that they hope will emerge out of this festive season.

Sonam Kapoor: ‘Triumph of traditions’

As a festival, Diwali brings so much happiness and I’m glad we have been able to maintain our traditions around it. We have a Lakshmi puja in our house first and then we go to our relatives’ homes where the elders bless you and give you money. These are the little things I love. I wish everyone a safe Diwali.

Alia Bhatt: ‘Greater sensitivity towards animals would be a triumph’

I’m a cat lover and I have two cats. I would really like people to avoid bursting crackers during Diwali. It’s immensely disturbing for animals that can’t even voice the pain and confusion they go through, due to the loud noise. People being more sensitive towards animals would certainly be a triumph, according to me. Besides that, I wish that everyone has a lot of fun with family and friends.

Supriya Pathak: ‘Triumph of peace’

I wish for peace and contentment for myself and the country, for two reasons: First, this industry is such that there is no security and hence people worry about their future. So I wish for peace and contentment as I don’t want to be eaten up by jealousy or insecurities. Second, people constantly strive for more, which is both good and bad, but I wish to do things to the best of my abilities, be content and leave the rest to the Master. Richa Chadda: ‘Triumphed over envy’

I experienced a huge shift in my personality this year. I used to get envious of the success of my contemporaries while not being aware of the struggle of others... Then something changed. Now I only feel happy about the achievements of others. I wish for love and light for all this Diwali. Daisy Shah: ‘Triumph of life over loss’

The moment when light triumphed over darkness, in my life and that of my family’s, was when I realised my father had come back to us in the form of my nephew. There were similarities in the timing and date of his birth etc I wish that everyone will have a happy and safe Diwali this year. I’d also like to say, please do not harm the stray animals around you. They need love too.

Raveena Tandon: ‘The triumph is in giving’

The festival of giving is embarked by sharing love, joy and happiness — that in itself is a feeling of triumph. I wish our country grows and prospers and there’s a lot of happiness in the lives of people who are currently staying under the hood of the darkness. I wish and urge people, ‘Let’s celebrate a very happy and noise-free Diwali’.

Karan Singh Grover: ‘Letting out the light within’

In every stage of my life, if ever darkness has fallen upon me — light has always triumphed over it. Since we call Diwali the festival of lights, we should understand the true meaning of it. Instead of setting off crackers and creating pollution we should learn the real meaning of the festival and let the light from within emit through us, over the darkness. Dipika Kakar: ‘Triumphing over ill health’

For me, the time when I was completely bed-ridden because of a lower back problem, was particularly dark. I thought I would never be able to stand upright on my feet again, and I had to stop flying because of the same problem. But today, here I am! Light triumphed over the dark. My wish for this Diwali is — may it be pollution-free and safe for everyone. I'm waiting for the day when we can have a cracker-free Diwali.