Deepavali lights, By: Subharnab Majumdar
Deepavali or Diwali is a one day festival in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism and is celebrated in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji.
Deepavali means “row of lamps”. Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas or dīpas) in Sanskrit: दीप) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. Light conquers darkness and during Deepavali houses are lit with rows of lamps to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
On Deepavali morning, many Hindu, Sikh and Jains awake before sunrise to take a ritual herbal oil bath. They put on new clothes. Then they go to the temples where prayers are held in accordance with the ceremonial rites. The rest of the day they distribute cakes and sweets to their neighbours and friends and many have “open house” for their non-Hindu friends. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends.
