It’s time for Diwali, India’s festival of lights. The fireworks (literally) start today and punctuate the proceedings for five days.
India’s Society for the Confluence of Festivals says there’s more to the revelry than glitter and glitz, feasts and sweets: “It is through this light that the beauty of the world is revealed or experienced.” Among Hindus, darkness signifies ignorance, and light knowledge. On Diwali night clay lamps used to be lit in Hindu homes. They’ve largely been replaced by electric bulbs these days, but the aim is the same: to banish ignorance and let the light shine in.
Among the other customs illuminating Diwali is the lavish decoration of homes and business alike. The entrances to these abodes get special treatment. The idea is to welcome in Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. To herald her arrival the Society says, “small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermillion powder all over the houses,” and “lamps are kept burning through the night.”
There’s an especially evocative ceremony performed in the evening, when the lights are lit. The aim here is to drive away evil spirits. One way to expedite their exit is to raise a song or two to another goddess, Laxmi. She’s also offered sweets.
Although it’s probably too late to make this year’s festivities, it’s never too soon to start planning for a visit next year.
(Image: San Sharma, jasleen_kaur)
