Diwali, the Hindu festival
of lights, will be held this year on October 23rd. Preparations for the
celebrations have already begun for many, as Diwali is observed over five days,
but the main night of festivities takes place every year on the darkest new
moon night of Kartika, the eighth month of the Hindu calendar.
One of the most important
Hindu holidays, the festival dates back to ancient times, and celebrates the
“triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair”.
Diwali is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar,
Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore and Fiji,
and traditional celebrations vary from country to country. However, there are
some rituals common to Hindus across the globe.
It's a very colourful and
exciting festival, and a time for family and friends to come together in
celebration. In the run-up to Diwali, homes are cleaned and decorated, with
windows washed inside and out to welcome Lakshimi, the goddess of wealth and
prosperity. Special clay lamps called diyas line the entrances to
homes and businesses, also to welcome in Lakshimi. Colourful rangolis are
drawn on the ground, using chalk, rice powder and flower petals.
These lights and rangolis are
intended not only to welcome in Lakshimi, but also to welcome guests to the
home. Diwali is a great occasion for dressing in new clothes, participating in
family puja (prayer), before enjoying a grand feast and
traditional sweets, including gulab jamun, a syrupy dumpling, and jalebi, a
deep fried chewy treat. Fireworks displays light up the sky, and are
traditionally believed to catch the attention of the gods.
If you're far away from home
this Diwali, don't miss the opportunity to catch up with your friends and
family - get in touch with your loved ones overseas with Justcall. Our cheap
calls to India, Sri
Lanka, Nepal and more mean you can chat for longer and wish your
loved ones a happy Diwali.
We are here to answer any questions you may have about JustCall. Reach out to us and we’ll respond as soon as we can.
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