Eleven days of festivities, togetherness, and a few life lessons to carry forward

 

From Mahalaya to Vijayadashami: A Pause for Reflection

Eleven days of festivities, togetherness, and a few life lessons to carry forward.

From Mahalaya on 10^th Oct to Vijayadashami on 20/21^st 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!