By Jaya Mistry
Diwali is a Hindu festival but is also celebrated by those from other faiths including Jains and Sikhs. This year Diwali will fall on Sunday 12th November as the Hindu calendar is lunar based and the exact dates varies between October and November each year.
The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word deepavali, meaning “rows of lighted lamps” and in the western society Diwali is often referred to Festival of Lights.
Those who celebrate will decorate houses, shops and public places with lights and diyas usually with tealights and Rangolis: elaborate patterns made out of materials including rice, coloured sand, and flowers.
Image shows a circle of colourful lit divas
Image shows two assorted colours of rangolis patterns
During the Diwali Hindus will perform pujas [prayers and blessings]. Diwali is celebrated over five days with each day signifying special pujas
Diwali is connected to various religious events/deities and many stories.
The one I recall the most is of Lord Rama returning to his Kingdom Ayodhya following 14 years of exile after rescuing Sita his wife from the demon Ravana. This triumph was marked by villages lighting homes with divas to show – “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”.
Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, is also worshipped as the bringer of blessings for the New Year.
Diwali is a time to come together with family and friends to celebrate, exchanging gifts and giving thanks for what we have, and sharing blessings. Fireworks are an essential part of the occasion.
Diwali also involves lots of sweets – mithai. Boxes of mithai are given as gifts and when visiting relatives and friends there will be a selection of mithai and other treats.
Image shows an assortment of mithai (sweets)
Image is of a high street decorated with Diwali lights
I will be visiting family in Leicester which will include visiting a Mandir (temple) to give thanks.