Diwali is more than just a celebration
Diwali is the most well-known Hindu festival, but while many link the cultural celebration with fireworks, there is more to the auspicious day than just pyrotechnics.
Diwali is known as the festival of lights, a time of illumination.
While fireworks play a role in the day’s festivities, the spiritual significance cannot be ignored.
The spiritual symbolism of Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over light and hope over despair.
Preparations and rituals for the festival usually extend over a five day period, with the main festival night of Diwali coinciding with the darkest, new moon night of Hindu month of Kartik.
During the Diwali celebrations, devotees will cleanse their homes and light lamps.
The significance of the lamps is one that glorifies the light of God, while cleansing one’s home represents people starting their lives fresh and cleaning their hearts.
One of the most prominent beliefs surrounding the significance of the use of lamps on Diwali is that of Lord Rama.
It is believed before his coronation, Lord Rama was sentenced to 14 years of exile, to fulfil a promise that his father had made to his stepmother.
Fulfilling his father’s promise, Rama left the kingdom accompanied by his wife, Sita, and brother, Laxman.
During his exile, Rama faced several hardships and vanquished the mighty demon, King Ravana.
After his 14 years of exile, King Rama returned to Ayodhya.
Overwhelmed with joy, his subjects lit diyas in every corner of the kingdom to express their happiness. A tradition, which apparently, still continues today.
The worship of goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, also plays a pivotal role during Diwali.
During the course of Diwali, some Hindus will pray to Lakshmi for a prosperous year.
Windows and doors will be left open to homes, so that Lakshmi can enter devotees’ homes. It is also believed that lamps help guide Laskhmi to the homes of believers.
Taking place on October 23, a build up to the auspicious day will be held.
On October 11, the Newcastle Amajuba Diwali festival will be taking place at the Richview Civic Hall from 7pm. Entertainment on the day will ensure the celebrations are lively.
On October 12, the Sat-Chit-Ananda Temple will be hosting a Diwali Festival.
The celebration will start with a spiritual session at 2pm which will be followed by activities and entertainment from 5pm.
The evening’s events consist of Little Mr and Miss Diwali, Ladoo eating competition, a senior citizens race, Shriman vs Shrimati, best rangoli, sweet meats display and diya arrangement, firework display and dances.
Supper and ice cream will be served. For further information, contact Avikar on 084 578 1355 or Rajendra on 084 631 7128.
