Lighting the Inner Lamp: Diwali Through the Lens of Yoga and Meditation
by Divya Narahari
Every year, Diwali arrives as a festival of lights - a celebration that shimmers through homes, hearts, and horizons. It’s a time when diyas(earthen lamp) glow along doorways, sweets fill our tables, and the air hums with hope. Yet, beneath the sparkle lies a profound invitation: to awaken the inner light and clear the darkness within.
In yoga philosophy, light symbolizes awareness, and darkness represents ignorance or avidya - the veil that clouds our perception of truth. Diwali, then, is not just an outer celebration but an inner journey.
The Inner Diya: A Yogic Perspective
Just as we clean our homes before Diwali, yoga invites us to cleanse the antahkarana - the inner instrument of the mind, intellect, and ego. Through asana, pranayama, and meditation, we remove the dust of restlessness, fear, and attachment, making space for clarity and peace.
In meditation, as the breath steadies, the inner flame "jyoti" - begins to reveal itself. It’s the same flame spoken of in yogic texts like the Katha Upanishad, where the Self is described as the light that “shines beyond all darkness.” When we sit in stillness, we realize that this light has always been within us - unwavering, pure, eternal.
The Five Days of Diwali - As Seen Through Yoga and Mindfulness
Each day of Diwali carries a unique energy that can be reflected through yogic principles and meditative awareness.
1. Dhanteras – Honoring Abundance
This day celebrates wealth and prosperity. In yoga, abundance isn’t just material - it’s the fullness of prana, gratitude, and life itself. Take a moment to sit in meditation and reflect on what abundance truly means to you.
Affirmation: “I am grateful for all forms of wealth - health, love, and inner peace.”
2. Naraka Chaturdashi – Releasing Darkness
Traditionally, this day marks the victory of light over darkness. Symbolically, it calls us to release what no longer serves us - old patterns, limiting beliefs, or inner clutter.
Practice: Try a guided breath meditation or a gentle vinyasa flow focused on cleansing and letting go.
3. Diwali (Lakshmi Pujan) – Inviting Light
The main day of Diwali honors Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of beauty, harmony, and spiritual illumination. Light lamps around your space, but also visualize lighting one within - in the heart center (Anahata Chakra).
Meditation: Sit quietly before a flame. Let its steady glow mirror your breath. Feel the warmth of devotion and clarity spreading through you.
4. Govardhan Puja – Balance with Nature
This day commemorates Krishna’s lifting of Govardhan Hill to protect his people. In yogic terms, it reminds us of seva (selfless service) and samatvam(balance).
Reflection: How can I live more harmoniously with the world - giving as much as I receive?
5. Bhai Dooj – The Bond of Love
The final day celebrates the sacred bond between siblings. It highlights bhakti - love as a spiritual path.
Practice: Send loving-kindness (metta bhavana) through meditation — to family, friends, and even those you find difficult to love.
Diwali as a Yogic Sadhana
When lived consciously, Diwali becomes a sadhana - a spiritual practice. Each lamp lit outside can be a reminder to turn inward, to nurture the flame of awareness. Each sweet shared can represent generosity of spirit. Each prayer can be an offering of mindfulness, compassion, and gratitude.
This Diwali, may your yoga mat be your altar, your breath your mantra, and your awareness be your brightest light. Let’s celebrate not only the victory of light over darkness - but the awakening of light within the darkness.
Wishing you a luminous and mindful Diwali - one where your inner flame burns steady and bright.
