Temple wishes all a happy Diwali

Vannakam!

The celebration of Deepavali is once again upon us. Also known as the Festival of Lights, we come together to celebrate the triumph of Light over Darkness, Good over Evil, and Hope over Despair.

The ritualistic early-morning ‘oil bath’ starts the festivities in every Tamil home. Three drops of sesame oil are gently massaged on the heads of every family member before they have their bath. This oil bath implies ‘new beginnings’ by removing one’s ego, self-esteem and jealously, to name but a few.

Deepavali is celebrated to mark the death of the asura, Narakasura, at the hands of Lord Krishna.

To our Hindi-speaking families, Deepavali / Diwali is considered as the day Lord Rama, Mother Sita and Lakshmana returned from 14 years of exile.

Shri Maha Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth, abundance and well-being) is worshipped on this day.

Lamps are lit in our homes, temples and streets to welcome the Lord and Mother to our homes. Some families go to temples for worship services, while all traditions and celebrations take place at home.

Diwali also marks the New Year celebrations for Gugrathi-speaking families.

This is also the time when the community has the joy of giving – in the form of grocery hampers,
food parcels, clothes, etc.

Sadly, Covid-19 over the past two years brought many changes. There were NO gatherings and
NO exchange of sweet parcels in fear of this pandemic. Many a home is still reeling from the pain this has left us with.

This year, as we have our oil bath, wear beautiful clothes and enjoy tasty treats, spare a thought for the many who will not be in a position to do so.

May the light of our lamps entice the Lord to our homes. We ignite our fireworks to let things go, which helps release negative emotions. Also, enjoy the sweets to signify us forgetting any bitterness.

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On behalf of the trustees, officials and members of the Hindu Thirukootam & Shree Ganaser Temple, a blessed Deepavali 2022 to one and all – may the spirit of Deepavali be with us always.

Nandri!

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