Diwali

The Significance of Diwali: A Festival of Lights

Diwali, the “Festival of Lights” is one of the major festivals, celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs.

Diwali takes place annually and lasts for five days, marking the start of the Hindu New Year. The exact dates change each year and are determined by the moon's position – but it usually falls between October and November.

The word Diwali means “row of lights” in an ancient language of India called Sanskrit. During this festival, people decorate their homes with lights and oil lamps, called diyas. Hindus believe that light

lamps and candles will bring Goddess Lakshmi to find her way into their homes. Goddess Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth.

For the Sikhs, Diwali is a story of the struggle for freedom. It celebrates the victory of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind who was imprisoned with other and 52 other princes in 1619. Sikhs celebrate his release from prison.

Diwali also symbolises the return of Prince Ram of Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, from 14 years of exile. He also defeated Ravan in the war against evil. It symbolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”.

Modern Diwali Celebrations: Fun, Food, and Family

Diwali is a time to have fun with friends and family! People exchange gifts and sweets, enjoy delicious feasts, watch fireworks displays, and wear new clothes. It is a time to clean and decorate your home. Some people make rangoli patterns on the floor to decorate their homes.

May Diwali light up our lives, give abundant joy and enlighten our souls.