6
Grassroots with passion
Deepavali 10 Things about
you always wanted to know
Embrace the festive spirit with this handy guide
Taking place on Sunday, 27 October, this year, Deepavali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains (and certain Buddhists) the world over. The festival is marked by, among other things, the lighting of oil lamps, visits to bazaars and the decorating of homes with rangoli (made of coloured rice, flour or sand), which have spiritual significance and are believed to bring good luck. All are welcome to join in the festivities that come withDeepavali, and tomake sure you get the full experience, here are ten things you should know about the religious holiday.
What does “Deepavali” mean?
The
name
“Deepavali”
comes from the Sanskrit “dipavali”, which
means “row of lights”. Indeed, lights feature prominently in this festival – commonly referred to as the Festival of Lights – in the form of the flickering flames of oil lamps (or diya) and in the vibrant lights that adorn homes and busy streets during the festive season.
What is the significance of Deepavali?
Deepavali is a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness – of good over evil. The lighting of diya is symbolic of this victory, with darkness defeated by a light that represents purity, goodness and luck. The specifics of the celebration vary from community to community, with a number of deities venerated, including the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. Deepavali is not the Indian New Year’s Day.
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker