Diwali
The festival of lights
This week is Diwali, also known as the ‘festival of lights’; stemming from the word Diwali meaning 'rows of lighted lamps'. It is the widely celebrated Hindu New Year and is either a 3 or 5 day holiday, depending on where in the world you celebrate it!
The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, although the legends that go with the festival vary in different parts of India.
Homes are cleaned to welcome the New Year and windows are opened so that the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, can enter. Amid the dark skies of autumn every household burns ‘diyas’ an oil lamp, to light the way for the goddess because it is believed that she cannot enter a house which is not lit up. This brings about the name ‘festival of lights’.
People start the new business year at Diwali, and some Hindus will say prayers to the goddess for a successful year.
We got the opportunity to speak to one of our interpreters who celebrates Diwali and find out her experiences;
What goes on during Diwali?
The main element of Diwali is to celebrate, this is done by great feasts, gifts and spectacular parties. A popular tradition is to wash coins in honey, milk and water and place in a temple as this is said to bring wealth and prosperity.
Do you have a special memory or experience from Diwali?
My mum used to clean our house every year in preparation for Diwali and the same thing happened with her mother, my grandmother. I remember getting up very early in the morning to say prayers and go to my parents for blessings. I now pass these customs onto my own children but every family has their own way of teaching the next.
What is your favourite part of the festival?
I really look forward to New Year’s Day (Thursday) as it brings everyone together and is a time to put aside your differences. Each family eats at their own home, where a large feast is spread across the table. We also take this food to a temple and offer it to the gods. Personally at this time of year I like to send toys and clothes to India where the children are less fortunate and cant experience the luxuries we take for granted.
Vandu Language Services is based in Lewes, Sussex and has been helping organisations overcome the language barrier since 1999. We provide interpreting, translation, bilingual advocacy and cross cultural training for when you need to communicate clearly across cultures.
