Celebrating Diwali, Festival of Lights
Celebrating Diwali, Festival of Lights
By Animesh Kaushal
Hi! I'm Animesh Kaushal from MSc Tourism and Hospitality at the University of Sunderland in London. It's Diwali this week, so I'd like to tell you a bit about this festival of light and why I celebrate it.
What is Diwali?
Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains all over the world. It is usually celebrated in October or November. The exact date is determined by the Hindu lunar calendar. This year, Diwali falls on 31st October. The festival marks the start of the Hindu new year and celebrates new beginnings.
What is the story and history of Diwali?
Diwali is the festival of light. It is the story of good over evil and light over darkness. On this day, we celebrate Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, during which, his wife Sita was kidnapped by the Great Vedic Scholar and demon king. Mata Sita was taken to his Gold Island home of Lanka. Lord Rama, with the help of Lord Hanuman (the monkey-king) and Sugriva, built a bridge of stones to Lanka and defeated Ravana with a magic arrow. The people of Ayodhya lit lamps to welcome Lord Rama and Mata Sita and light their way home. This tradition continues until this day.
How do we celebrate Diwali?
In the Diwali, we decorate our homes with Toran (which includes Swatik representing good fortune, Shubh representing auspiciousness and Labh representing profit/benefit). We decorate the house with marigold flower garlands, and offer prayers to Goddess Lakshimi (the goddess of wealth) and Ganesha (the god representing good fortune and wisdom for the coming year). We light small oil-filled clay lamps (called diyas) to welcome Goddess Lakshimi. We also light firecrackers to enjoy the festival and homemade Diwali snacks.
Diwali Events with Your SU
We have events taking place on both our London and Sunderland Campuses over the next week or so that all students are welcome to attend!
In London, you can join us for Diwali Celebrations on Mon 4th Nov (12-4pm) on Level 3, Marsh Wall Campus! Find out more about the Diwali Celebrations on London Campus
In Sunderland, we're celebrating with a Diwali Crafternoon on Wed 30th Oct (12-2pm) in Your SU @ CitySpace! Find out more about the Diwali Crafternoon on Sunderland City Campus
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