Polokwane’s Hindu community celebrates Diwali

POLOKWANE – Diwali or Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights is an auspicious time of the year celebrated by the global Hindu diaspora and in Polokwane towards the end of this week, depending on the stand of the moon.

‘Deep’ meaning light, and ‘avali’ meaning row, becomes a row of light. The festival holds profound cultural and spiritual significance.

Diwali is mentioned in ancient Hindu texts such as the Ramayana, which dates back thousands of years. Diwali symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

It’s the celebration for Lord Rama’s return to the kingdom of Ayodhya after being exiled in the forest for 14 years and having defeated Ravana.

The people of Ayodhya lit up their homes and the whole state with rows and rows of clay lamps for Lord Rama’s victory. His victory symbolises the end to unrighteousness. The lighting of the lamp symbolises the arrival of light in one’s life.

Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity is also worshipped to seek Her blessings of abundance and well-being.

According to a prominent member of the local Hindu community, Jyoti Mistry, preparations and rituals for Diwali commences days in advance.

“It’s a busy time to spring clean, to prepare beautiful and vibrant and colourful decorations with glowing of lamps and rangoli or kolam, the traditional Indian art using coloured powders and flowers. It’s not just about cleanliness but also about purifying the mind and soul to create a harmonious environment.

“Long hours are spent in the kitchen preparing mithais (sweet items) and the aromas of the mithais fills the homes. These delectable array of sweet treats using key ingredients such as cardomom, saffron, nutmeg, rose essence, almonds, ghee and sugar are just too hard to resist,” Mistry said and explained that Diwali is about the joys of family gatherings, children and grandchildren’s laughter and excitement, exchanging or sharing mithai with family, friends and neighbours.

Mithai shared fosters a sense of unity and of sharing joy. During the festivities, people engage in charitable acts and this selflessness aligns with the spiritual essence of Diwali.

Kavita Dullabh mentioned that for the festivities households and temples are illuminated with oil or ghee (clarified butter) lamps, candles and beautiful traditional rangoli designs using coloured powders and flowers. Families and friends gather and exchange sweets and gifts. Hindu merchants open their new account books and pray for success and prosperity. People of various faiths join in the celebrations which is a clear indication of unifying diverse communities.

Mistry mentioned that the Polokwane Hindu community will gather at the Shree Gita Mandir (temple) on Crescent Drive in Nirvana on the first day to celebrate this auspicious day together. The Deities in the temple will be adorned in beautiful attire.

Melodious bhajans (devotional) songs will be sung and scrumptious sweets and food prepared will be offered to the deities and then partaken by all as prasad (sanctified food). New Year celebrations at the temple will take place on the second day at 08:00.

Mistry and Dullabh wish all those celebrating a joyous Diwali and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

May the festival of lights bring peace, joy, unity and happiness and may friendships and relationships grow stronger.