Celebrating Diwali
Diwali is the festival of lights and is one of the most significant festivals in Indian culture, which is celebrated every autumn in the northern hemisphere.
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Newar Buddhists, although for each faith it marks different historical events and stories. Nevertheless, the festival represents the same symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
The Spiritual Significance of Diwali is:
- Give and forgive
- Rise and shine
- Unity and unify
- Prosper and progress
Diwali is marked by five days of celebration and it’s a time when people mingle about in joy, togetherness and attend firework displays, prayers and celebratory events across the world.
It is also a time when friends and families exchange greetings, gifts and sweets, as well as giving to the needy as a token of good luck for the year ahead. Indian sweets are particularly popular during these celebrations. Rangoli (a colourful art) is made on the floor which is believed to bring good luck.
Each house is lit up with Diya’s (earthen lamps with cotton wicks), oil lamps, candles and colourful electric lights. The lights of Diwali signifies purity, goodness, good luck and unity.
Here at Link Health and Community, we are celebrating with posters in reception, treats, LED lights and colouring-in posters for staff.
