Light and love for Diwali
JOBURG - Diwali is known to many as "Indian Christmas", however the true meaning of Diwali is based on a story of sacrifice, perseverance, devotion and love.
Diwali is celebrated on 11 November this year.
The holy text, the Ramayana tells the story of Rama, his wife, Sita and brother, Lakshman who were exiled to the forest for fourteen years. Rama’s father was the king and since Rama was the first-born son of the king’s first wife he was due to inherit the throne. The king’s second wife wanted her own son to become king and pleaded with the king to exile Rama.
Rama, Sita and Lakshman were sent to the forest where their love for one another, devotion to their faith and perseverance kept them safe even when vanquishing the demon king Ravana. When the king’s second son was of age and realised what had been done for him to gain the throne he sent for the exiles and implored them to return to the kingdom. The people of the kingdom lit Rama, Sita and Lakshman’s way with clay lamps which signified their return to light from darkness. This is why Diwali is known as the festival of lights. The illumination of homes with lights on Diwali is also an expression of worship to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity.
Some believe the sound of fire-crackers are an indication of the joy of the people living on earth, making the gods aware of their plentiful state. Before Diwali, it is tradition for Hindus to clean, decorate and even renovate their homes. On Diwali day, children receive new clothes, and gifts are also exchanged between family members. Families visit relatives bearing gifts of sweets, like gulab jamun, a syrupy sweetmeat similar to a koeksister and chana magaj, a chickpea fudge. The spirit of Diwali celebrates family, love, devotion, unity and prosperity. The NSPCA has appealed to residents celebrating Diwali to be mindful and responsible towards pets in their celebrations. The NSPCA also said that, in keeping with the celebration of peace on Diwali, loud fireworks should not play a part in the festivities.
