Diwali, or Dipawali, is India’s biggest and most important holiday. The festival gets its name from the row (avail) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolise the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness.
What is the story of Diwali:
In ancient times, there existed a renowned warrior prince named Rama who was wed to the lovely princess Sita. Living nearby was the malevolent king Ravana, who possessed ten heads and twenty arms. Ravana desired Sita for his own and abducted her in his chariot. Rama, realising Sita's abduction, set out to find her and encountered the monkey god Hanuman in the forest. Hanuman agreed to aid in the search, eventually locating Sita held captive in a lush garden on the island of Lanka. With the help of his monkey army, Hanuman prepared to confront Ravana. In a fierce battle, Rama and Hanuman fought against Ravana, with victory seeming uncertain until Rama unleashed a magical golden arrow that struck Ravana in the chest, leading to his defeat. Rama and Sita were joyfully reunited and returned home to find the villagers had lit lamps to guide them back, a tradition that continues with the lighting of lamps on Diwali by Hindus.
How is Diwali celebrated:
It lasts for five days from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day of the light half of the lunar month Kartike. The festival generally symbolises the victory of light over darkness.
Day one: People clean their homes and shop for gold or kitchen utensils to help bring good fortune.
Day two: People decorate their homes with clay lamps and create design patterns called rangoli on the floor using coloured powders or sand.
Day three: On the main day of the festival, families gather together for Lakshmi puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi, followed by mouth-watering feasts and firework festivities.
Day four: This is the first day of the new year, when friends and relatives visit with gifts and best wishes for the season.
Day five: Brothers visit their married sisters, who welcome them with love and a lavish meal.
How it’s celebrated in each area of India:
- In northern India, Diwali celebrate the story of King Rama's return to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana by lighting rows of clay lamps.
- Southern India celebrates Diwali as the day that Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.
- In western India the festival marks the day that Lord Vishnu, the Preserver (one of the main gods of the Hindu trinity) sent the demon King Bali to rule the nether world.
How Diwali is being Celebrated at KSU:
Join us on November 1st from 3-6pm for a vibrant Diwali celebration!
Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere with music, delicious traditional food, engaging activities, intricate crafts, lively games, and stunning jewellery.
Tickets are only £12 and includes all the food and activities, so grab your friends and come join us for a memorable Diwali experience. Don't miss out on this exciting event!
Check all the information at: https://kingstonstudents.net/ents/event/230/