While some might perceive Diwali as just another celebration used as an excuse to set off fireworks, there is in fact a lot of religious and historical significance behind the Festival of Lights.
Diwali is an annual celebration celebrated all around the world as part of the Hindu religion, and this year it falls on Tuesday, 6 November and Wednesday, 7 November. While Diwali is traditionally a five-day celebration in countries that are more stringent about the practices of the Hindu religion, it is condensed into only two days in South Africa.
Celebrations of Diwali in South Africa begin with Deepavali (7 November), which is essentially Diwali, but for those of South-Indian descent or origin, and conclude the following day with Diwali, the celebration for those of North-Indian descent or origin. The reason for two different celebrations of the Festival of Lights traces right back to origins of the festival.
The festival is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, and originates from when “Lord Ram returned from exile within the deep, dark forest back to Ayodhya in India,” according to Serene Rajkumar. Lord Ram passed through South-India first, and then North-India, hence the reason for the celebration of Deepavali coming the day before those of South-Indian descent or origin in South Africa.
On Lord Ram’s journey, ‘Diyas’ (lamps) were lit to illuminate the path to Ayodhya, which is why special candles are lit as part of the celebration each year. Preparations for Diwali, which essentially means a row of lights, begin weeks before, with the baking of traditional sweetmeats and the purchasing of new traditional clothing.
Once Diwali begins, at dawn, all who celebrate are bathed with three kinds of oils to purify them before they don their traditional attire. They then spend the day worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of Wealth, and also by presenting family and friends with gifts and sweets. Special vegetarian meals are prepared as well, as no meat may be consumed on the day.
Once the sun begins to set, the Diyas are lit and placed all over the house and garden. “This brightens up the home, giving you the ambience of light, removal of darkness, and prosperity for the year ahead,” Serene said.
This is then followed by the fireworks, which are set off with a purpose. The fireworks illuminate the dark sky, which is again a dispelling of darkness during the festival, while the noise is also believed to dispel evil spirits.
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