Diwali is celebrated all over India and elsewhere in the world where Indians gather together. Traditionally known by its Sanskrit name Deepavali, it actually means "a row of lights". Although predominantly a Hindu festival, it is observed by Sikhs and Jains as well. In general, Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, goodness over evil and knowledge over ignorance. The story of its origins varies, depending on where you happen to be.
In northern India, the story goes that King Rama fought a lengthy war against Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. The festival is in honour of his victory, his homecoming with his wife, Sita, to Ayodhya and his coronation. In Gujarat, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is the focus and in Bengal, the festival honours the goddess Kali, to some a violent creature and to others, the mother goddess.
No matter what the regional differences, Diwali means rebirth and people often wear new clothes to signify this, they also thoroughly clean their houses and in India, decorate their courtyards with patterns,
known as "rangoli" created with powdered or diluted paint. To add to the festive air, doorways are draped with garlands of mango leaves and marigolds, known as "torans" It also means that winter is coming and seeds must be sown to ensure food supplies for the following year.
The actual date of Diwali varies according to the Hindu calendar but generally falls towards the end of October/beginning of November. The festival itself lasts for five days, each of which has designated rituals of worship to various gods and goddesses but it is the third day which includes the fun of processions and fireworks.
It is a time to exchange gifts with family and friends, somewhat like the Christian festival of Christmas. Traditionally, houses are cleaned thoroughly then decorated with oil lamps called diyas and candles and streets are strung with fairy lights. The ground outside homes and temples is decorated with Rangoli patterns, often made with coloured rice and flour and water to attract the attention of the Goddess Lakshmi. Sweets and fire crackers are bought and food and clothes given to the poor.
It is the custom to give sweets, dried fruits or flowers as Diwali gifts when visiting, neighbours and relatives but in these modern times, the gifts are often rather more valuable such as jewellery, silk, leather or silver goods. For close family, even electronic goods such as a camera or television might be seen as appropriate.
There are a number of traditional sweet and savoury foods for Diwali. The recipes for these vary from family to family but will remain the same year after year.
Legend has it that Lord Shiva and his wife, the Goddess Parvati played dice on Diwali day and she decreed that gambling on Diwali night would ensure prosperity throughout the coming year. The influence of the goddess Lakshmi is considered to bring luck to gamblers and these days people play betting card games, in the hopes of being favoured by the goddess of wealth.
Liz Canham
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