Ever since the first indentured labourers landed on our shores, bringing with them a vibrant and diverse culture, Diwali was been celebrated in South Africa.

As one of the most prominent festivals celebrated in India, Diwali signifies the triumph of light over darkness.

The exact dates change each year and are determined by the position of the moon. This year Diwali will be celebrated on October 24.

During the festival, homes are brightly and colourfully lit with diyas, clay lamps, candles and string lights. What is a feast for the eyes is deeply rooted in religion and tradition.

For many Indian families the day begins with an ‘oil bath’. Family members are anointed with a blend of different oils to cleanse themselves for the day ahead before dressing in brand new traditional attire.

After prayers are observed, family and friends begin arriving with ‘parcels’ – these are usually beautifully packaged offerings of sweetmeats and baked goods to give thanks.

Today some prefer to donate these to the less fortunate.

What is the meaning of ‘Deepavali’?

Deepavali is a Sanskrit word, which means ‘row of lamps’. It is likely the word ‘Diwali’ is a contracted form of Deepavali.

The history of Deepavali is replete with legends moored to the stories of Hindu religious scriptures, marking Lord Rama’s arrival to the city of Ayodhya after being exiled for 14 years.

Diyas would be lit to guide him, his wife Sita and brother Laxman home, owing to it being a new moon day and very dark.

Some also believe the day marks the celebration of Goddess Laxmi’s wedding to Lord Vishnu.

Those who celebrate ‘the Festival of Lights’ light the lamp of knowledge to understand and reflect on the significance of the day.

The lighting of lamps is a way of paying obeisance to God for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge and peace. It is through this light that the beauty of this world is revealed.

Darkness here represents ignorance, and light symbolises knowledge. Therefore, lighting the lamp symbolises the destruction, through knowledge, of all negative forces, including wickedness, anger, envy, greed, fear, injustice, oppression and suffering.

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