Lohri's Fire: Igniting Spirit, Burning Away Negativity

FIRE KUND

Have you ever watched a flickering flame, mesmerized by its dance? Fire, a fundamental force of nature, is a paradox. It can be a source of warmth and comfort, yet also a symbol of destruction. It's a powerful reminder that even the most elemental things in our world have multiple facets.

Think about it: fire is worshipped in many cultures. Imagine the sacred flames of a havan kund, the gentle glow of a diya in a temple, or the quiet flicker of a candle in a church. These flames represent hope, devotion, and a connection to something greater than ourselves. The sun itself, a giant ball of fire, graces our days, chasing away darkness and giving life to our planet. We use fire to cook our food, keeping us nourished, and to warm our homes during the cold winter months, offering us shelter. In these instances, fire is a blessing, a gift.

But fire also has a darker side. The image of a pyre, consuming the remains of a loved one, is a stark reminder of its power to take away. Wildfires, raging across forests, leave behind devastation and loss. Explosions, fueled by fire’s destructive energy, cause unimaginable harm. It's the same fire, but its impact is drastically different.

• Positive aspects of fire:

  • Sacred flames in religious ceremonies

  • The life-giving energy of the sun

  • Warmth and comfort in our homes

  • Essential for cooking and preparing food

• Negative aspects of fire:

  • Symbol of mourning and loss (pyres)

  • Destructive wildfires

  • Harmful explosions and accidents

What’s striking is that fire performs all these actions with the same unwavering intensity. It doesn't hold back. This inherent intensity is a powerful metaphor for life itself. We, too, experience a range of emotions and experiences, from the highest joys to the deepest sorrows.

As we celebrate Lohri, let's reflect on this duality of fire. It's a time for warmth, community, and celebration, but it's also an opportunity to acknowledge the power of transformation. Just as fire can destroy, it can also purify. It can burn away the old to make way for the new.

So, here's a heartfelt wish: may the fire of Lohri ignite your spirit, filling you with passion and purpose. And may it also burn away any negativity that holds you back, allowing you to connect with your true self. May you embrace the full spectrum of life, with all its intensities, and find your own inner fire to guide you on your path.

DIVUTI KAPOOR