Diwali, also known as Deepavali and the Festival of Lights, is a festival that marks the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. It is a festival that is celebrated by people across the world, making it one of the biggest and brightest festivals celebrated globally.
The origins of Diwali date back to ancient India and the festival has evolved over the years with modern cultural influences. Diwali falls in the month of October or November every year, and the five-day festvities are celebrated by millions of Hindus, Jains and Sikhs worldwide. The festival is associated with new beginnings and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by people all over the world.
Diwali is a time for families to come together to celebrate with food, fun, and festivities. The festival is often associated with colourful decorations, brightly lit diyas and candles, and colourful rangolis. The joy of Diwali is not complete without indulging in Indian delicacies such as Samosas, Pakoras, and Barfis -yum!
The festival is also known for its extravagant fireworks displays and its significance in cleaning and decorating homes. As modern society becomes increasingly aware of environmental sustainability, people have been encouraged to celebrate Diwali in an eco-friendly way by avoiding fireworks that lead to pollution. Colour fountains are a wonderful way to celebrate in style, whilst also being kinder to the environment than fireworks.
Children play a significant role in the celebrations of Diwali, with schools and communities organizing activities such as lantern-making competitions, cultural programmes, and quizzes to promote a sense of understanding and joy around the festival.
In comparison to Holi, the Festival of Colours, Diwali is a more introspective celebration that promotes light and love rather than vibrancy. It is a time to connect with family, friends, and loved ones and appreciate the good things in life.
Even though the festival has evolved over the years to reflect modern times, the core values and traditions of Diwali have remained unchanged, making it a truly timeless festival that is cherished every year!
