One of the most significant festivals of Hindus, Diwali – also known as Deepavali – is celebrated across the world tomorrow to commemorate the victory of light over dark. The South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS), a national body representing the cultural and religious aspirations of the country’s Hindu community, shares more about the festival.

It’s all about light

Tamaso ma jyothir gamaya – lead us from darkness to light (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, section I iii 28) – is an important concept in Hinduism and is the essence of Diwali.

From darkness into light, from ignorance to knowledge, from unhappiness into bliss, this is the true and deep message that Diwali, the festival of lights, brings every year with its joyous celebrations.

Deepavali means a row of lights. Since Deepavali is dedicated to the Goddess of wealth, it is also referred to as Maha Luxmi Pooja.

An opportunity for sharing and caring

As doom, despair and darkness associated with the combined after-effects of Covid, looting, floods, corruption, xenophobia, crime and violence threaten to envelop our nation, Diwali offers hope for renewal – that a better future based on justice and righteousness is still possible in our country and beyond. Beyond the religious observances and cultural celebrations, it is appropriate to reflect on how we can light up the lives of those around us who are less fortunate, regardless of race, class, ethnicity or religion.

Diwali provides an opportunity to donate to charity and promote basic values of sharing and caring, by uplifting the poor and disadvantaged in a severely fractured society. Scriptures compel all Hindus to selflessly engage in some form of charity (daan) and social upliftment, according to ability.

There are hundreds of Hindu organisations in South Africa that engage in regular philanthropy and welfare support and also respond to emergencies, for example, when there are natural disasters. Many Hindu organisations have moved from focusing exclusively on spiritual missions to one that is driven by social concern, welfare intervention, poverty alleviation and empowerment.

Some prominent examples include the work of the Divine Life Society, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness Food for Life initiative, the Ramakrishna Centre, Sarva Dharma Ashram, Aryan Benevolent Home, Shantik Foundation, Swaminarayan and the SAHMS.

The intention is to build bridges among people of different races, cultures and religions, to promote goodwill, social cohesion, tolerance, mutual respect, and harmonious co-existence, all in keeping with the basic principles and tenets of Hinduism.

This is perhaps best encapsulated by the motto of the SAHMS: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The world is one family (Maha Upanishad VI:71-73). This can be viewed as the Hindu equivalent of ubuntu.

Fireworks

Fireworks are an integral part of the Diwali celebrations and part of the cultural heritage of all those who celebrate Diwali. The SAHMS supports the responsible use of fireworks. SAHMS is opposed to big bangs and acknowledges that the Hindu community must comply with local municipal by-laws in the conduct of their festivities. Additionally, the organisation encourages the Hindu community to be mindful of fellow residents and their animals.

We expect mutual tolerance, sensitivity and understanding from our neighbours who may not be of the Hindu faith.

How the date is decided annually

Deepavali is celebrated on the Amavasya (no moon) or the fifteenth day in the dark phase of Karthik. This year it falls on November 12.

• Dhan Trayodashi will be observed on Friday, November 10. The muhurta (space of time in the day which is considered the most auspicious) for Dhan Teras Pooja is from 18:50 to 20:31. This is the day on which the Yam Deepam is lit.
• Narak Chaturdashi will be observed on Saturday, November 11, and Sunday, November 12. The Chaturdashi tithi begins at 10:27 on the Saturday and ends at 11:14 on the Sunday.
• Diwali/Deepavali/Luxmi Pooja for all Hindus will be on Sunday, November 12. The auspicious ‘oil bath’ is recommended between 04:06 and 04:54. The Lakshmi Pooja muhurta is from 18:42 to 20:32.

Significance of the festival to Hinduism

Historically, it is evident that thousands of years ago, Deepavali was observed as a harvest festival in the land called Bharath (modern-day India) when the civilisation was agricultural: Crops were harvested, there was abundant food in the home, and good crops of cotton assured that there was clothing for the family for the full year.

Life was bright and happy. Luxmi Mata had honoured the home with her presence.

The entire family celebrated the festival as a thanksgiving, performing Pooja with elaborate offerings and special rituals. The harvest was regarded as Prasad, the grace, compassion, and favour of the Divine Mother.

How the festival is observed

Several rituals are incorporated into the day. Begin Deepavali day by offering Surya Jal (water to the sun – generally on a tulsi tree). Thereafter, offer prayer to Ganesh-Gauri and Shri Luxmi Narayan. You may also perform Luxmi Pooja (wealth ritual). For all three, you may offer perfume/sandal paste dot, agarbatti (incense), aarti (worship ritual), sweet dish/fruit, and water)

In many homes, Luxmi Pooja is done in the evening. The prayer is followed by hawan (fire ritual). In the evening, one may perform Luxmi Pooja (if not done in the morning) and hawan. A diya (lamp) is lit in every room of the house. Diyas are also lit outside the house.