Happy Diwali!

This gorgeous and colourful five day festival is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs around the world, and festivities include diyas (earthen lamps), rangoli (colourful patterns made with flowers and powders), fireworks, coloured fairy lights, gifts, offerings, feasts, and mithai (sweets).

New Beginnings

Diwali takes place on Amavasya (the day of the New Moon marking the New Year) in the traditional Indian lunar calendar. It's a celebration of Light over Darkness, Knowledge over Ignorance, Good over Evil, and Right over Wrong. It's also a celebration to welcome prosperity in the year to come!
 

Pictured: Rangoli

Deities Honoured
 

Pictured: the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi.

There are many different deities honoured on throughout the festival of Diwali.

Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth, beauty, splendour and good fortune) is honoured by many, with the lights and lamps said to guide her into the home and bring prosperity for the year to come.

Lord Krishna is also widely worshipped, symbolising the victory of Good over Evil (with Lord Krishna defeating the evil King Narakaasura). 

In Nepal, Diwali is known as Tihar and Deepawali, and celebrates Laxmi (goddess of wealth and prosperity), as well as Lord Krishna. On the second day of the festival of Tihar, the Nepalese people also honour dogs, bestowing them with tikala and garlands of flowers to please Yama the god of death (as they are believed to be his messengers).

In northern India, many celebrate the triumph of Good (the gods Rama and Sita) over Evil (wicked king Ravana).

For the Bengal people, the goddess Kali is often worshipped as the destroyer of evil forces.

Celebrations and Festivities
 

Pictured: Family enjoying Diwali celebrations

Diwali is celebrated all around the world, and is a celebration full of laughter, bright lights (anything from traditional lamps to fairy lights and fireworks), and loved ones gathered together to spend some quality time and eat some delicious food.

Traditionally taking place over five days, each day has special significance, which varies between religious sects.

For many, Diwali is celebrated as follows:

Day One - Dhanteras - is for cleansing the home, and shopping (to bring new beginnings).

Day Two - Narak Chaturdashi - varies in celebration from religion to religion, but for many is the day of decorating the home with rangolis—intricate patterns made from colored powder, rice, and flowers. In Nepal, it is a day of honouring Yama, the god of death.

Day Three - Lakshmi Puja - is the main day of celebration, where family gathers to worship the goddess Lakshmi (or Laxmi). This celebration usually involves a feast, prayer, traditional dress, fireworks and lights.

Day Four - Govardhan Puja - is a day for worshipping Lord Krishna, and celebrates the victory of Good over Evil.

Day Five - Bhaiya Dooj - the last day, is a day of celebrating the bond between siblings.

Prosperity and Money Traditions
 

Pictured: Statue of Hindu Goddess Lakshmi surrounded by traditional lamps and candles.

Diwali not only marks the Hindu New Year, but also the new financial year!

Several traditions are centred on money, as it’s an especially auspicious time to bring wealth and prosperity into the new year (especially so for devotees of goddess Lakshmi).

The lead up to Diwali is said to be a lucky time to purchase precious metals, as they bring good fortune.

This includes gold, silver, jewellery, metal objects, or any expensive purchases linked with a new beginning.

Many families also have their account books blessed in the lead up to Diwali – anything and everything to do with wealth creation and abundance is honoured and celebrated!

Sending Money to Loved Ones in India or South East Asia?
 

Wherever you are celebrating, we wish you a Happy Diwali!

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