Diwali is the festival of light and there are different kathas (stories in Malayalam) about the origin of this auspicious festival.
While there are varieties of the stories focusing on Diwali, a key theme is the victory of good over evil and this is to be celebrated by many Hindus and South Asians of other faiths. these colourful celebrations can take place on a larger scale or a smaller scale; The most common tradition is to light diyas or small oil lamps as shown in the picture above.
There are numerous cultural traditions and events held on Diwali, they include the making of eye-catching and brilliant rangoli patterns to indulging in flavoursome sweet treats such as Gulab Jamun. One of the best parts about Diwali celebrations some may argue are the firework the will be lit. It is a dazzling and striking spectacle of colour ripping through the sky especially in the cold and dark nights of October and November.
Diwali is a beautiful festival of culture that is shown through the previously said traditions and therefore could perhaps bring communities and families together, in order to commemorate this special holiday that only comes once a year. We should enjoy taking part in Diwali traditions even if it is only celebrating on a small scale.
This year the dates for Diwali are from the 31sr of October (yes Halloween!) until the next day. So while trick or treating or not, be sure to listen out for the lighting and explosions of bursting fireworks and enjoy the festivities of Diwali that are taking place all around us.
