Diwali

Friday 5th November was celebrated as Diwali this year. I wish all residents of Chafford who celebrate this Shubh Diwali

For those who are not aware, Diwali or Deepavali is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals and is also the occasion for celebrations by Jains and Sikhs.

The origin of the word comes from two words in Sanskrit : Deepa which means light or lamp and Avali means a row -- meaning for Row of Lights. The houses were used to be decorated with small earthenware oil lamps called diyas and were traditionally fuelled by mustard oil. They are placed in rows in windows, doors and outside buildings to decorate them.

Diwali festival is associated with various legends in different parts of India:

It is the celebration to welcome Lord Rama back to Ajodhya after exile. Since the night was dark, people welcomed him by lighting diyas all around their house and streets

It honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Hindus will leave the windows and doors of their houses open so that Lakshmi can come inside their houses.

It is associated with Kali - the goddess of protection. Lamps are lit in her honour for a renewal of life and justice on earth.

Diwali has been significant in Sikhism. Sikhs often refer to Deepavali also as Bandi Chhorh Divas - "the day of release of detainees."

Diwali festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Everywhere it signifies the renewal of life and it is common to wear new clothes on the day of the festival.

Diwali is also the celebration of a successful harvest. Business people regard it as a successful day to start a new accounting year because the festival is associated with the goddess of wealth.

Fireworks are a big part of the Diwali celebrations. People present Diwali gifts and share sweets with their near and dear ones.

Shubh Diwali