When: 30 October, 2016.
What: Diwali Celebrations
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Kindle the light of wisdom, the light of life that brings a smile upon every face, ’cause friends and countrymen Diwali is upon us and it is impossible to hide the excitement that comes with this rather crazy affair, marked by a blare of firecrackers on the streets and a flourish of ceremonial activities in every Indian home.
Diwali - Diwali is India's biggest and most significant festival. Celebrating Diwali sees the whole country glowing under the light of lamps, candles, and fireworks. It marks the victory of good over evil and lifts the spiritual darkness. So gear yourself up to be enlightened by the biggest, brightest and most popular event in the Indian calendar: Diwali. The festival is synonymous to the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. It is celebrated with family gatherings, good food and fireworks. Popularly known as the festival of lights, Diwali counters the darkest night of year. There are multiple reasons why Hindus celebrate this festival. The most popular narrative, based in the ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana, is of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana returning to their kingdom Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. On that dark new moon night, the residents of Ayodhya joyfully lit oil lamps to welcome Rama, Sita and Lakshmana back to the kingdom. The festival is associated with several Hindu myths about the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness) and light over darkness. Thus, on Diwali people light special lamps, diyas, which bring brightness and joy with the hope of finding light in darkness. All homes are lit up and decorated with rangoli (a word derived from rang and aavalli, which refers to a row of colours), to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, while the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of fire-crackers, joy, togetherness and hope—all the customs make the occasion so sacred.
Earthen Lamps - Traditional potters make clay diyas or lamps for Diwali. The clay is kneaded and molded into diyas, then baked in kilns. After the clay diyas are dry, they are beautifully hand-painted. These earthen lamps are the most integral part of the festival. Hundreds of 'diyas' are lit in every Indian home to lift the darkness and to welcome prosperity.
Rangoli - Rangoli is an art form from India in which patterns are created on the floor in living rooms or courtyards using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals. It is usually made during Diwali. Intricate rangoli is the focal point of decorations at the entrances to people's homes during this festival. Designs are passed from one generation to the next, keeping both the art form and the tradition alive.
Lakshmi Pooja - The Goddess Lakshmi is believed to have been created from the churning of the ocean on the main Diwali day. A special puja is performed to worship her on this day. Lakshmi Puja is a Hindu religious festival that falls on Amavasya and performed on the day of Diwali. Adherents show reverence to the Goddess Lakshmi by placing small oil lamps or candles inside and outside their homes. They pray for prosperity and well-being for their families and businesses. According to legend, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and Vishnu's wife, visits her devotees and bestows gifts and blessings upon each of them. To welcome the Goddess, devotees clean their houses, decorate them with finery and lights, and prepare sweet treats and delicacies as offerings. Devotees believe the happier Lakshmi is with the visit, the more she blesses the family with health and wealth.
The importance of Sweets during Diwali - Besides the basic Indian food, a feast is cooked for the special occasion. The first food associated with the festival is desserts - and in plenty!! Indian sweetmeats also famously known as 'Mithai’, are a cross over between snacks and desserts, which can be eaten during anytime of the day. It is customary to exchange boxes of Indian sweets, dried fruits, nuts and chocolates with family and friends during the festival. The prep for these start a few days before; when the ladies of the house start preparing the sweets for the occasion. Diwali snack making is very much a social activity, where traditions and age old recipes are passed from generations to keeping the spirit of homemade dishes alive. Diwali being a vibrant, colorful, joyous celebration is expressed through the medium of food.
With the gleam of ‘diyas’ and the echo of the chants, let happiness and contentment fill your life. Wishing you a very Happy Diwali!
