DIWALI IN MOVIES AND INDIAN BOOKS : THE LIGHT THAT SHINES THROUGH STORIES

      

Every year, as diyas glow and crackers burst across the night sky, India celebrates not just a festival, but a feeling — Diwali, the festival of lights. Beyond homes and streets, this festival has illuminated the pages of books and the frames of films, finding its place in the heart of Indian storytelling. Both cinema and literature use Diwali as a symbol — of reunion, realization, and renewal — making it an eternal motif in our cultural imagination.

 

Diwali on the Silver Screen

Indian cinema, with its vibrant colors and emotional depth, naturally embraces Diwali as a perfect cinematic moment.

In films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Diwali scenes are about family togetherness — laughter echoing in decorated homes, diyas lighting up relationships, and joy sparkling in every frame. The festival becomes a bridge of affection, reminding us of the value of unity and tradition.

In contrast, Swades uses Diwali differently. The village celebration, simple and dimly lit, mirrors the protagonist’s awakening to rural realities. Here, the glow of diyas represents inner enlightenment rather than outward festivity.

Regional cinema, too, reflects Diwali with cultural nuance. In Tamil and Telugu films, it often marks new beginnings — a birth, a wedding, or the return of a loved one. Diwali scenes are cinematic shorthand for hope reborn.

 

 Diwali in Indian Literature

In Indian writing, Diwali flickers not just as a festival but as a metaphor for life itself.

Ancient epics like The Ramayana immortalized the festival as the moment of Rama’s homecoming — the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness. Modern authors such as Amish Tripathi reimagine this myth to reflect moral complexity, portraying Diwali as a celebration of justice and balance.

In post-partition stories by Saadat Hasan Manto and Khushwant Singh, Diwali takes on a more poignant role. Amidst the chaos of separation, the festival’s light becomes a symbol of loss — lamps flicker, but hearts remain heavy.

Writers of the Indian diaspora, like Jhumpa Lahiri and Rohinton Mistry, often place Diwali in foreign lands. For them, the glow of diyas on distant shores represents belonging and nostalgia — a quiet yearning for home.

Children’s authors, especially Sudha Murty, use Diwali to teach values of sharing, simplicity, and kindness. Her stories remind us that the brightest lamps are those lit by compassion.

 

The Deeper Symbolism

Whether portrayed through grand Bollywood sets or intimate paragraphs in books, Diwali remains a metaphor of light — not just outside but within. It’s the sparkle of realization, the flame of forgiveness, and the quiet glow of self-discovery.

In both movies and literature, Diwali teaches the same timeless truth: light triumphs when hearts remain kind.

Conclusion

Diwali in art is more than decoration; it’s emotion, memory, and meaning. It tells us that every flickering lamp, every story of reunion, every verse of hope is part of a larger human tale — the search for light in times of darkness. Whether in the grandeur of cinema or the subtlety of prose, Diwali continues to illuminate not just our screens and pages, but also our souls.