Dr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur, a member of the erstwhile House of Mewar, offers a glimpse into a celebration that brings India’s rich cultural heritage to life. Diwali holds a special place in the celebrations of the House of Mewar, which has long been associated with the preservation of age-old traditions. Dr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar says, “It brings together prayer, family and community, while renewing values that have been cherished across generations. I am especially drawn to the symbolism of the diya. Its flame may be small, but it stands for wisdom, generosity and the ability to bring warmth into another person’s life. It reminds us that even a single act of goodness can make a difference.”IT IS A TIME FPR PRAYERS AND TOGETHERNESS He further adds, “For our family, its the time for prayer, gratitude and togetherness. Across Mewar, it is a shared celebration that brings homes and communities together in a spirit of hope. I particularly enjoy welcoming family, friends and guests, and spending time in the kitchen preparing the delicacies associated with the festival and its poojas. Sharing them is part of the joy. What I cherish the most is that sense of belonging. The light we kindle at home also reminds us of the light we can offer the world through the way we live.”TRADITION IS A LIVING BOND BETWEEN GENERATIONS Taking the legacy forward while preserving age-old traditions and rituals, Singh ensures the same is forwarded in the coming generations too. “I see tradition as a living bond between generations. Every ritual carries the devotion of those who came before us; our responsibility is to understand its meaning and give it expression in our own time. In the House of Mewar, heritage is inseparable from service. As Custodian of Shree Eklingnath Ji and the 77th Custodian of the House of Mewar, I am guided by stewardship, humility and duty. These principles shape how I understand my responsibilities today. Tradition endures when it is understood, not merely observed. When young people learn the meaning behind a ceremony, it becomes part of their own lives. And when respect, integrity and service guide our everyday choices, heritage remains a living force. That continuity is a source of profound joy. Our inheritance gives us a foundation of wisdom from which to engage with a changing world. The finest tribute we can pay our ancestors is to live the values they entrusted to us.”OUR LINEAGE CONNECTS US TO THE PASTThe House of Mewar is associated with the lineage of Lord Ram, Singh feels a deeper connection with the festival. “The House of Mewar belongs to the Suryavanshi tradition, which is associated with Shree Ram. For me, this connection carries deep spiritual meaning and an equally deep sense of responsibility. Its essence lies in maryada: dignity in conduct, devotion to duty, integrity in leadership and consideration for others. These are the ideals that give our inheritance meaning in everyday life. The festival offers a moment to reflect on those ideals. I find meaning in the way one flame can light another without losing its own radiance. Values, too, grow stronger when they are lived, shared and passed on. Our lineage connects us to the past; the way we uphold its principles gives that connection meaning in the present.”Sharing more about childhood memories of celebrating the festival, Lakshyaraj says, “I remember the anticipation most vividly: the lamps, the preparations, the family gathering and the warmth that filled our home. Growing up in the Palace, festivals were part of the rhythm of family life. Each ceremony had its place, and each gathering gave us the chance to observe the devotion and care of our elders. Those quiet impressions stay with us long after childhood. With time, I have come to appreciate more deeply the thought and affection that sustained these traditions. There is a special joy in watching younger generations discover the same wonder. As a child, I was captivated by Deepawali’s lights. Today, I value even more the wisdom and affection that have kept them glowing across generations.”
