Acharya Prashant responds to a question about the right way to celebrate Diwali by stating that it is too late to ask. He uses an analogy, comparing the situation to asking how to prepare for an exam the day before it is held, or even worse, on the day the results are to be declared. He explains that a festival is not a free-for-all event. To celebrate a figure like Shri Ram, one must first earn the right to do so. Shri Ram is an exception, a distinction, a rarity, and is worshipped because he is special. Therefore, one needs a certain qualification, eligibility, or worthiness to even utter his name, let alone celebrate his festival. The speaker contrasts the life of Shri Ram with the lives of ordinary people. He points out that for 364 days a year, most people's lives have nothing to do with Shri Ram and, in fact, stand in firm opposition to his values. He questions how one can then jump up and join the noisy bandwagon on the 365th day. He calls this hypocrisy and cheap entertainment. He notes that Shri Ram would be angered by such a pretense, as people's lives bear no resemblance to his. Shri Ram, who never cared for worldly things and renounced an entire empire, is now celebrated through an orgy of consumption, shopping, and discounts. The festival of a man who was never a buyer, seller, or consumer has become a festival of shoppers and shopkeepers. Acharya Prashant advises that the festival of lights befits only those who have light in their own lives. If one's life is full of darkness, then Diwali should be a day of austerity and repentance. He suggests that one should offer prayers to Shri Ram, apologize for not living up to his message, and observe the day in repentance. He concludes by advising people to start preparing for the next Diwali. He urges them to live their lives just as Shri Ram lived his—a life of detachment, fearlessness, compassion, and righteousness (Dharma). By bringing that excellence into one's own life, one can earn the right to truly celebrate Diwali. Then, Shri Ram will smile and acknowledge that the celebration is genuine.