Jasmine, a dear friend of Cultivated Community, writes about Diwali.
"Diwali is the religious Hindu holiday celebrated all over the world commemorating the spiritual victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
This auspicious day symbolizes Lord Rama's defeat of the evil King Ravana and his triumphant return to his home. It's also associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.
Diwali is known as the “Festival of lights“ due to the practice of lighting oil lamps known as “Diyas” 🪔, and decorating homes and cities with strings of twinkling lights to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. It is considered a time to start new ventures and coincides with the Hindu New year.
Growing up, I remember it as a day where our family and relatives would meticulously clean their homes and prepare for the start of the new year. We would carry a tray of small candles to each room and bless our home and thank God for all the wonderful things God has done for us and pray for goodness for the new year. We would sing prayers also known as “Bhajans.”
It is a four-day joyous festival marked by multiple celebrations with family and friends, exchanging gifts and sweets, and preparing for the new year.
It is celebrated annually between October and November. This year Diwali is on Thursday, November 4th, 2021!"
This auspicious day symbolizes Lord Rama's defeat of the evil King Ravana and his triumphant return to his home. It's also associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.
Diwali is known as the “Festival of lights“ due to the practice of lighting oil lamps known as “Diyas” 🪔, and decorating homes and cities with strings of twinkling lights to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. It is considered a time to start new ventures and coincides with the Hindu New year.
Growing up, I remember it as a day where our family and relatives would meticulously clean their homes and prepare for the start of the new year. We would carry a tray of small candles to each room and bless our home and thank God for all the wonderful things God has done for us and pray for goodness for the new year. We would sing prayers also known as “Bhajans.”
It is a four-day joyous festival marked by multiple celebrations with family and friends, exchanging gifts and sweets, and preparing for the new year.
It is celebrated annually between October and November. This year Diwali is on Thursday, November 4th, 2021!"