The Festival of Lights

People are busy with cleaning the house, decorating the house with lights and making beautiful rangolis on the floor. Traditional diyas will be lit in and around the house. The smell of delicious sweets spread through the streets. People wear beautiful clothes and gather together to meet family and friends. It’s time for the Festival of Lights. 

Diwali or Deepavali, is one of the most vibrant and significant festivals celebrated in India and by Indians around the world. It is a joyful celebration which is rich in symbolism, tradition and a heartwarming spirit. 

Diwali is a Hindu festival, but it’s also important for Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. The festival is celebrated over five days during the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvina and Kartika, between October and November. Diwali signifies the spiritual victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil.  

The celebrations of Diwali are rooted in various legends. For example in North India, Diwali is the celebration of the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and their victory over the demon king Ravana. In South India, Diwali is the triumph of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. 

Diwali is the time of the year that people spend quality time with their loved ones. Here are some elements of the Diwali celebration:

• Before Diwali starts, people will clean their houses thoroughly. On this day (Dhanteras) it’s about wealth and prosperity. Cleaning the house, buying new utensils to symbolise a new beginning and light diyas to ward off evil spirits. 
• On the next day (Chhoti Diwali) people will decorate their house with lights, beautiful rangolis (patterns made on the floor using coloured rice or powder) will be made and traditional diyas (small oil lamps) will be lit. The designs of the rangolis are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Special meals are also being prepared on this day. This day also involves preparing for Lakshmi Puja, the main puja (prayer) of Diwali. 
• On the third day people will wake up early and take an oil bath for purification and people pray to Goddess Lakshimi, seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being in the coming year. 
• On the fourth and fifth day, people will wear new clothes and jewellery. Gifts will be exchanged and people will eat delicious sweets. When it becomes dark, the sky comes alive with dazzling fireworks. Families and friends gather together and eat traditional treats. 

Diwali is not only celebrated in India, it is celebrated by Indian communities all over the world. It is a magical time of the year that brings warmth and a new beginning. It reminds us of the enduring power of good.