Wishing all our members in the South East a happy Diwali!
Diwali is the festival of lights and is celebrated annually across the world by millions of Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Newar Buddhists. This year it will take place on the 24th October. In the Hindu faith, Diwali marks a victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It marks the return of Lord Rama and his wife Goddess Sita from 14 years of exile and marks the celebration of the new year. The Sikhs celebrate Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas, marking the return of Guru Hargobind from captivity along with the release of 52 other prisoners whilst the Jains celebrate Diwali to mark the moment Lord Mahavira attained nirvana. For Newar Buddhists it is the day Emperor Ashoka accepted Buddhism.
To celebrate Diwali, people illuminate their homes with oil lamps and decorate them with colourful patterns (rangolis) and make special dishes. They also visit the temples in their finest clothes, to pray and sing and come together to share meals and exchange gifts of Indian sweets. For Hindus, the bright lights and firework displays are designed to appeal to the Goddess Laxmi – the goddess of light, prosperity and wealth, inviting her to grace each home and to bestow her blessings on everyone. It is a celebration that brings communities together in joyful celebration for a happy and prosperous new year for all.
