Background of the Diwali Festival of Lights
Diwali, also known as Deepavali (literally “a row of lamps”), is perhaps the most important and ancient of the Indian festivals.
It is also known as “The Festival of Lights”, and families light small oil lamps (diyas) and candles around the home and set off firecrackers and fireworks.
Traditionally, Diwali is celebrated for five days, and takes place at the new moon on 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik or Karthika (October/November). This is at the beginning of the winter season and is called the “darkest night of the year”, so lamps are lit to brighten this moonless night.
Originally a Hindu festival, Diwali now signifies different things in different areas of India. For example, in Gujarat, the festival honours Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. In north India, it celebrates the god Rama’s homecoming to the kingdom of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. To light his way and rejoice at his return, the people of Ayodhya illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas and fireworks.
Generally speaking, Diwali signifies the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and renewal of life.
Asia:NZ organises the festival in partnership with Auckland City and Wellington City Council.
