Happy Diwali
Diwali also known as the ‘festival of lights’, is a 5-day-festival celebrated between mid-October and mid-November for different reasons in South Asia.
Diwali is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji.
The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. The name ‘Diwali’ (‘Deepavali’), which translates into 'row of lights’, involves the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas) filled with oil which signifies the triumph of good over evil. During Diwali, people wear new clothes and exchange sweets and presents with family members and friends. Houses are cleaned and divas are kept on during the night. All these are done to make the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, feel welcome. Firecrackers are burst to drive away evil spirits.
In India oil lamps are often floated across the river Ganges - it is regarded as a good sign if the lamp gets all the way across. People leave the windows and doors of their houses open so that Lakshmi can come in.
This festival is also seen as an occasion to gamble as a legend claims that the goddess Parvati played dice with her husband on this day and said that anyone who gambled on Diwali night would do well.
People also start the new business year at Diwali, and some say prayers to the goddess for a successful year.
Happy Diwali Everyone!