12 November 2023 - Diwali: The Festival of Lights

10th November 2023 - Dhanteras: What is the story behind it?

Dhanteras: This day marks the beginning of the Diwali celebrations. "Dhan" means wealth, and "Teras" refers to the 13th day of the lunar fortnight. People clean their homes and shop for gold, silver, and utensils on this day to invite prosperity and good fortune into their lives. It is also believed to be the day when Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, emerged with the elixir of life.

It is considered an auspicious day in Hindu culture, and there are several customs and traditions associated with Dhanteras:

• Purchasing Gold or Silver

• Cleaning and Decorating Homes

• Invoking Goddess Lakshmi

• Lighting Oil Lamps

• Offering Sweets and Prasad

Dhanteras sets the tone for the Diwali celebrations, and it is a day when people seek blessings for prosperity and wealth in the coming year. The belief in the auspiciousness of buying gold and silver on this day has made it a significant occasion for purchasing precious metals and jewellery.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi also referred to as "Chhoti Diwali"

The day following Dhanteras, which is often referred to as "Chhoti Diwali" (literally meaning "Small Diwali") or Naraka Chaturdashi, is celebrated as the victory of good over evil, specifically the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. This day holds special significance, and it is observed with various customs and traditions:

• Legend of Narakasura: According to Hindu mythology, Narakasura was a powerful demon who had conquered a part of heaven and had become a menace to both gods and humans. Lord Krishna, with the help of his consort Satyabhama, defeated Narakasura in a fierce battle, thereby ending his reign of terror. This victory is celebrated on Naraka Chaturdashi.

• Oil Baths and Cleansing: On Chhoti Diwali, people traditionally take an oil bath before sunrise. This act of cleansing is symbolic of the spiritual purification of body and soul.

• Lighting Oil Lamps: Just like on the main day of Diwali, people light oil lamps, candles, and diyas on Chhoti Diwali. The illumination of lights signifies the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

• Chhoti Diwali, with its focus on the triumph of good over evil, serves as a precursor to the main Diwali day, and it adds to the overall festive spirit of the season. It is a time for family gatherings, celebrations, and the spreading of joy and light. People perform prayers and rituals on Chhoti Diwali to seek blessings for well-being and protection from evil forces. Some also worship Lord Krishna and Goddess Satyabhama on this day.

Chhoti Diwali, with its focus on the triumph of good over evil, serves as a precursor to the main Diwali day, and it adds to the overall festive spirit of the season. It is a time for family gatherings, celebrations, and the spreading of joy and light.

Day 3: Deepavali - Why do we celebrate Diwali on Karthik's Dark Fortnight?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a major Hindu festival celebrated between October and November, with the main day falling on 12th November. It is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. This day marks the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana.

During Diwali, people light oil lamps, decorate their homes, exchange gifts, and share festive meals. These customs symbolize the victory of light, knowledge, and prosperity over ignorance and darkness. Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil and is a time for joyous celebrations among families and communities.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja and its epic tale of Lord Krishna

Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the 4th day, honouring Lord Krishna's act of lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavan. 

Devotees create a replica of the hill using cow dung and offer a variety of dishes and sweets, symbolizing gratitude for nature's blessings. Elaborate rituals, prayers, and devotional songs are performed, fostering a sense of community and devotion. The offerings, known as 'Annakut', are distributed as “prasad” among the devotees. Processions with the Govardhan Hill replica are carried out, accompanied by chanting and singing, creating a festive atmosphere. 

This celebration emphasizes humility, gratitude, and the divine protection provided by Lord Krishna, promoting spiritual unity and joyous festivities among communities.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj which falls on 15th Nov and the Hindu mythological story behind it.

Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Phota in Bengal, Bhai Tika in Nepal, and Yama Dwitiya in southern India, is celebrated on the 5th day, dedicated to the unique bond between brothers and sisters.

On Bhai Dooj, sisters perform aarti for their brothers and apply a sacred tilak on their foreheads. They pray for their brothers' well-being and longevity and offer them sweets and gifts as a token of their love and affection. In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters and promise to protect and support them throughout their lives.

The festival holds historical and mythological significance. According to Hindu mythology, on this day, Lord Yama, the god of death, visited his sister Yami (Yamuna), who welcomed him with love and affection. Touched by her warm hospitality, Lord Yama gave her a boon that whoever receives tilak and aarti from their sister on this day will be blessed and protected from all evils.

Can we call Diwali, a global festival?

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is not confined to India but is celebrated globally. In Nepal, it's called Tihar or Swanti, and it's a five-day festival honoring animals and celebrating the bond between siblings. 

In Sri Lanka, particularly among the Tamil community, Diwali is marked with traditional dances, music, temple visits, and feasts. 

In Fiji, Diwali is a public holiday, celebrated with cultural performances, fireworks, and the sharing of sweets, uniting diverse communities. Indonesian Hindus observe Deepavali with temple visits, prayers, and cultural dances, fostering unity among their people. 

In countries like the US, Canada, and the UK, Diwali is embraced by the Indian diaspora, featuring grand events, illuminations, parades, and exhibitions to promote cultural diversity. 

Even in Australia and New Zealand, Diwali is celebrated with cultural events, music, dance performances, and traditional Indian cuisine, providing an opportunity for people from various backgrounds to appreciate and participate in the festivities. 

Diwali's universal celebration underscores its message of light, unity, and triumph over darkness, transcending borders and cultures.

Get ready for the Eco-friendly Ways to celebrate this Diwali as Green Diwali !

Celebrate Green Diwali by embracing eco-friendly practices. Use clay diyas instead of electric lights, recycle waste, and say no to single-use plastics. 

Decorate your home with natural materials and opt for eco-friendly gifts like plants or homemade treats. Choose spending time with family and  play games instead of fireworks to minimize noise and air pollution. Save water during cleaning rituals and spread awareness about the importance of celebrating an environmentally conscious Diwali. 

Together, these small changes can make a big difference in creating a cleaner and greener environment for everyone.

Is Diwali not only a festival of lights but also a festival of sweets, binding joy and flavor together?

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a paradise for food enthusiasts, offering a delightful array of traditional sweets. Among the favourites are gulab jamun, jalebi, and laddoos, enticing everyone's taste buds with their sweetness. The celebration is not just limited to conventional treats; creative chefs often experiment with rangoli-inspired desserts, adding a touch of artistry to the festivities. 

Diwali is a time when families and friends come together to share the joy of the season, often exchanging these delectable delights as tokens of love and warmth. From homemade classics to innovative confections, Diwali delicacies are a symbol of the festival's sweetness and togetherness, making the celebration a truly mouthwatering experience for everyone involved.

Are you ready to ignite minds and spread the Light of Education during this festival of lights?

This Diwali, let's come together to spread the light of education instead of just celebrating with traditional lamps, let's illuminate lives with knowledge and opportunity. 

We can make a difference by supporting education initiatives, donating books, or volunteering at local schools. By doing so, we empower young minds, giving them the tools they need to succeed. Every child deserves access to quality education, and this Diwali, let's make it our mission to light up the future for children around the world. Together, we can create a brighter, more educated tomorrow for all.