Reflections on Jashn-e-Charaghaan

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 18 October 2025 Now when Deepavali (Shab-e-Charaghaan/Jashn-e-Charaghaan in Persian) is on the anvil, one must go beyond its literal significance and delve into its metaphorical ramifications. All festivals have much deeper meanings and layers. The festival of light signifies inner effulgence; light of the soul. To quote Shakeel Badayuni, "Jahan-e-Rang-O-Boo Mein Kyon Talaash-E-Husn Ho Mujh Ko/ Hazaron Jalwe Rakhshanda Hain Mere Dil Ke Parde Mein" (Why should I look for beauty in the outside world ?/ There're riots of brightness effulgent inside me). Shab-e-Charaghaan is a festival of light that eclipses the darkness that has enveloped mankind in recent times. Yet, one ray of light is enough to dispel this darkness: Faqat Ek Shua-E-Roshni Kaafi Hai/Abra-e-Zulmaat Ko Chhantne Ke Liye. The entire world is ravaged by wars, bloodshed, differences and discrimination. Mankind urgently needs light of hope. When Indo-Pak War broke out in September 1965, a Pakistani poet Sahil Jameel wrote after a couple of months when Diwali, albeit in a subdued spirit, was celebrated in India, "Jang Ke Syah Dhuen Ke Baad Uthte Hain Narm Dhuen Diyon Se" (After the dark smokes of war, there's a benign smoke emanating fom the lamps). See, a Pakistani Muslim poet writing so positively about Jashn-e-Charaghaan, that too, after a bitter war! This is indicative of the fact that whether it's a war or the issue of Hindus and Muslims, all these are political constructs, manipulations and conspiracies. Festivals belong to all. "Diyon Se Saja Diya Dil Ko Maine/Mere Andar Humesha Ik Diwali Hai" (I've embellished my heart with lamps / There's an eternal Diwali inside me). Pakistani poet(ess) Parveen Shakir was spot-on. By the way, her ancestors migrated to Pakistan from Darbhanga in North Bihar. Every soul, regardless of whether one's a Hindu, Muslim or a Bahai, should have a Diwali because it symbolises hope and brightness. This reminds me of the French existentialist Albert Camus' immortal quote, " “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.” Diwali brings optimism and happy tidings of hope. Bask in the faith and optimism of Diwali and spread love and light everywhere. To quote, Jigar Muradabadi, "Un Ka Jo Farz Hai Woh Ahal-E-Siyasat Jaanein/ Mera Paighaam Muhabbat Hai Jahan Tak Pahunche" (Let politicians do whatever they want to / My message is love and let it go far). Have a great Deepavali. Imbibe and assimilate its sublime spirit and implement it in life. Enjoy it to the hilt and celebrate it to a T. May Diwali brighten everyone's life. ---- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/reflections-jashn-charaghaan/d/137293 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism