Diwali means a row of lights and is known as the Festival of Lights. Hindu homes are decorated with small earthenware oil lamps, which are traditionally filled with oil and placed in rows on windowsills and at entrances.
Diwali means a row of lights and is known as the Festival of Lights. Hindu homes are decorated with small earthenware oil lamps, which are traditionally filled with oil and placed in rows on windowsills and at entrances.
The row of lamps, though individually differing, in many aspects provides one with glorious illumination reminding us of the triumph of faith over the forces of darkness and evil. Traditionally Diwali is celebrated by lighting clay lamps and other forms of popular commercial lights.
This is the prime icon of Diwali. Modern day celebrations, however, have added a lot more. Courtesy of the media and advertisers, Diwali takes on a new form every time, even before the celebrations begin. Companies offer huge discounts, all eager to get a slice of the pie and excess is often witnessed during this period. Diwali, as a festival, is without doubt the most important and biggest Indian festival which represents peace, harmony and the triumph of light over darkness.
In keeping with these sentiments, the festival is all inclusive of colour, creed and race. In the midst of today’s busy life style, Diwali gives us an opportunity to pause and be grateful for what we have and to relish special memories with family and friends. Times may have undergone many changes but the customs and traditions remain the same. With the evolution of our lifestyles, there have been changes in the way people celebrate Diwali.
More modern technology has been included, but this does not dampen the zest of the festival. Earthen lamps may have been replaced with stunning electric illuminations, dress codes have changed, but the customs and tradition of performing puja (prayers) has been maintained very well through many, many generations.
Diwali is celebrated in the digital age with cellphones, SMSes and emails replacing traditional handmade cards and personal greetings. These messages have become formalised and lack the warmth of a handshake or a smile. Diwali is a wonderful festival, a time of giving and sharing, a time to catch up with people with the little joys that we keep overlooking.
The origins of Diwali Diwali comes from various versions of ancient Hindu history. In Northern India, the tale tells of Lord Ram’s return to Ajodhya after 14 years of exile in the forest. His return aroused enthusiasm in his people by a celebration for their beloved hero.
In Southern India the story talks of the Goddess Durga’s triumph over the evil demon. This triumph of good over evil brought back the light of knowledge and truth to mankind. The light The lamp constitutes an integral part of the festival.
Traditionally people use clay lamps with cotton wicks and oil to light up the dark night. As time progressed tradition gave way to modernity as is visible from the various colours and forms of candles that are used and sold. Electric lights, too, assist in the illuminating the festival.
Festive treats
These delicious sweets come in very attractive gift hampers that make them irresistible. The Indian delights form an integral part of the treats for Diwali. Piles of festive pink, green, yellow, orange and white sweets (the colours of happiness), some shimmering with silver leaf, others snowy with shreds of coconut or crunchy with pistachio adorn the shelves of sweet shops in the cities.
The sari and Diwali
The traditional dress of Hindu women, the sari, has not lost its place in the global arena as it is brimming with new designs and patterns and remains the centre stage of this huge fashion revolution. The style of wearing the sari has undergone a major overhaul over the years but this elegant strip of cloth remains the same and it continues to enhance the appearance of women with its unmatchable charm.
Pretty saries come to the rescue on festivals such as Diwali where women prefer wearing traditional and ethnic attires and flaunt it with panache and style. Diwali in Grahamstown Derived from the Samskrit word Deepavali (row of lights) Diwali is one of the most widely practised festivals in the Hindu calendar.
The festival is based around the lunar cycle, which means the festival falls on a different date every year (October or November). The major theme is the celebration of good over evil and the wish for prosperity in the coming year.
Grahamstown’s Hindu community has established itself as a culturally vibrant group. Since its first settlement many traditions were brought to Grahamstown in the early 19th century and have created and produced a cultural identity through the performance of traditional cultural activities.
The Festival of Lights, Diwali is celebrated among the Hindu communities globally. With recognised roots in India the small Hindu community of Grahamstown celebrates Diwali based around the cultural traditions on Friday 5 November and New Year on Sunday 7 November.
