From Mahalaya to Vijayadashami: A Pause for Reflection
Eleven days of festivities,
togetherness, and a few life lessons to carry forward.
From Mahalaya on 10th
Oct to Vijayadashami on 20/21st October, this year’s festive season
spans eleven days, with an additional day because Saptami Tithi falls on two
days.
Somehow, this makes me happy. The
longer the festive season lasts, the brighter and merrier life seems. Festivals
give us a reason to step away from our busy routines, make time for worship and
family, and enjoy the warmth of community. Even while managing our professional
responsibilities, we make that extra effort to celebrate together and keep our
traditions alive.
Beyond the rituals and
festivities, every festival offers something deeper: an opportunity to pause
and reflect. And perhaps, a life without such pauses is incomplete.
This Durga Puja, I found myself
reflecting on the importance of letting go—not just of things, but also of
conversations that bring negativity and disturb our peace.
We often try too hard to explain
ourselves, hoping to change how others perceive us. But the truth is, we
cannot change others, and no matter how hard we try, we may never be able to
change their opinions about us. People see us through their own experiences
and beliefs. We can clarify our intentions, but we cannot control their
perceptions.
As long as we remain true to
ourselves, act with sincerity, and stay aligned with our values, other people's
opinions need not define us. Not every conversation deserves our attention, and
not every opinion requires a response. Sometimes, protecting our peace means
knowing when to step back.
Letting go of negativity is
not a sign of weakness; it is an act of self-respect.
Life also teaches us the courage
it takes to show up every day, fulfil our responsibilities, and remain
consistent despite setbacks, disappointments, and circumstances beyond our
control.
Consistency is rarely dramatic. Much of the effort we make goes unnoticed. Our intentions may be misunderstood, our hard work may not always be acknowledged, and results may take longer than expected. Yet, we show up again the next day and continue doing what needs to be done.
Perhaps that is what matters
most. We cannot control every outcome or how others perceive us, but we can
choose to act with sincerity & maintain our dignity.
As we celebrate Vijayadashami,
symbolising the triumph of good over evil, I am reminded that some of our most
important victories happen within us—the victory of peace over negativity,
self-belief over the need for validation, and wisdom over the urge to react.
Perhaps the real spirit of
Vijayadashami lies in learning to let go of what diminishes us, hold on to what
defines us, and move forward without losing ourselves along the way.
May Maa Durga bless us with the
wisdom to see things clearly, the strength to protect our peace, and the
courage to remain true to ourselves.
Shubho Vijayadashami!
