Diwali the “festival of lights” is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in Autumn.
Starting on the new moon Diwali heralds the dawn of a New Year as per the Indian Hindu calendar. This year it starts on the 30th of October and lasts for a 5 days.
Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate, and decorate their homes and offices. On Diwali night, people dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light lamps and candles inside and outside their home, participate in family puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi – the goddess of fertility and prosperity. After puja, fireworks follow, then a family feast including mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends
The festival spiritually signifies the Victory of Good over Evil.
I am all for that…with blessings whatever your tradition, Judith
