Diwali or Festival of Lights, signifies the return of Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of the God, Vishnu, after killing the demon king, Ravana, and symbolizes the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. The goddess, Lakshmi, who symbolizes wealth and prosperity, is also worshipped during Diwali.

This celebration occurred in October to November or Kartik month in the lunar calendar. This is also a harvest festival that marked the last harvest of the year. People sought the divine blessing of Lakshmi, and prayed for success at the outset of a new financial year.

According to the Hindu calendar this year, auspicious Kartik month began Oct. 17 and will end Nov. 14, whereas the Diwali celebration is from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1.

Diwali has become an Indian national festival that is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith: Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs. This five-day celebration is meant for cleansing inner and outer space and starts with family gatherings, glittering environmentally-friendly clay lamps, festive fireworks, strings of electric lights, bonfires, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship to Lakshmi and Ganesh.

The significant stories behind Diwali vary among the different parts of India, but all celebrate the victory of good over evil with a joyful, spectacular affair, and food is enjoyed in all its glory.

In northern India, people celebrate the return of Ram to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana, as well as the return of Pandavas from their exile by lighting rows of clay lamps. Southern India celebrates it as the day that Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura and freed 16,000 princes (freedom for women).

In western India, the festival marks the prayer for Lakshmi, a new financial year and also the day when Lord Vishnu gratified King Bali. Eastern India celebrates with a prayer of Ma Kali.

In Jainism, it marks the nirvana or spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira (about 527 B.C.). Arya Samaji also celebrates the attaining of Nirvana of Maharshi Dayanandji.

In Sikhism, it marks the day that Guru Hargobind Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru, was freed from imprisonment. Buddhists celebrate Diwali as the returning of light and peace and balance to the world.

On the first day of the celebration, people consider it auspicious to spring-clean the home and shop for gold or kitchen utensils. On the second day (Chhoti Diwali), people decorate their homes with clay lamps and create design patterns called rangoli (artistic aspect of Indian culture) on the floor using coloured powders or sand.

The third day is the main day of the festival when families gather for Lakshmi puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi, followed by delicious feasts and firework festivities. This day, the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, incarnated during the churning of the ocean. The fourth day is Govardhan Pooja (caring for nature and environment, started by Lord Krishna) in north, and in the west, it as a new year.

On the last day of Diwali, brothers visit their sisters who welcome them with love and a lavish meal. Brothers and sisters affirm sibling love and look after one another on the final day of Diwali. This symbolizes togetherness and helping hands to each other.

Bruce County’s community Diwali celebration is Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Underwood Community Centre. Everyone can join the Diwali festivity by saying "Happy Diwali" to your neighbours, friends and coworkers.

I love sweets but this year, I am trying to make a good balance in rich food, sweets, exercise, fun and making the festival for overall wellness. Happy Diwali!



The Tripathi family of Kincardine celebrating Diwali; photos courtesy of Chandra Tripathi