Celebrating Diwali

Diwali, also known as Deepavali or Deepawali, is one of the most important dates in the Hindu, Sikh and Jain calendar. Diwali takes place over 5 days from 18 October to 22 October. It is celebrated around the world and has become a public holiday in Fiji, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and recongnised in some US States. Our colleagues, Kim and Karthik, share some of their reflections and memories of Diwali.

Historical Background of Diwali

Diwali is one of the most ancient Hindu festivals that has been celebrated for centuries. Diwali gets its name from the Sanskrit word Deepawali, which means 'rows of lights'.* Academic P.K. Gode has traced the evolution of Diwali through Sanskrit and Prakrit texts, highlighting the seasonal significance and association with the coronation of Lord Rama after his victory over Ravana, as told in the Ramayana.†

Diwali is celebrated over a five-day period with each day having a special meaning and tradition which goes as follows:

1. Dhanteras – Worship of wealth and health
2. Naraka Chaturdashi – Commemorates Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura
3. Lakshmi Puja – Main Diwali night; worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth
4. Govardhan Puja – Honors Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill
5. Bhai Dooj – Celebrates sibling bonds

Traditions and Rituals

Kim and Karthik shared some of their treasured traditions and rituals during Diwali:

• Festival of Lights - lighting oil lamps, candles and firecrackers at night to symbolise light triumphing over darkness
• Prayers to invite hapiness and wisdom into the home
• Exchanging sweets with friends and neighbours
• Sharing meals with family and friends as a way of coming together and enjoying time with one another
• Cleaning the home - this is done as part of the Lakshmi Puja to signal a time of renewal. Worshippers make offerings of sweets, flowers and incense during this time
• Oil Baths - performed early in the morning, the ritual begins by applying sesame oil on the head and body and then take a hot water bath to symbolise washing away the old and beginning anew
• Rangoli Designs: Colorful patterns made with powders or flowers are drawn at entrances to invite prosperity.

Reflections from Kim and Karthik

Some of the most treasured memories of Diwali for Kim are memories back in South Africa, her mother preparing a variety of sweet and savoury dishes and being surrounded by love and laughter at home. Kim says our dearly departed loved ones are with us in spirit and will be with us as we celebrate this auspicious occasion. For Kim, what completes Diwali is lighting the clay lamps around the home in the evening and having fun with sparklers (fireworks are a bit harder to come by here!). Karthik's memories are back in India, waking up to the sound of firecrackers, the smell of delicious food and and the excitement of getting new clothes and sharing sweets with neighbours.

We asked Kim and Karthik to share what they wish more people knew about Diwali. Both answered that Diwali is more than just a festival of lights. It is about light overcoming darkness, good triumphing over evil. It is about welcoming light into our lives, not just literal light from the lamps but inner light, kindness, wisdom and compassion. Karthik also added that it marks the seasonal change as the cooler months begin and the oil baths help to keep skin nourished and protected in the dryer months.

Wishing you a joyous Diwali

This year Kim and Karthik will be spending Diwali with family and friends looking forward to part taking in the wonderful traditions of Diwali. We wish all that are a celebrating a joyous and prosperous Diwali!

References

* 'The Many Legends of Diwali', Google Arts and Culture

† 'A History of Diwali',JSTOR Daily