Yesterday was the Hindu festival of Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. Every year it is celebrated in Hindu communities around the world and here in the office we had a little celebration of our own. To be honest, I have to admit to not knowing a great deal about Diwali but luckily we have our very own tutor, Ekta. And now Ekta has kindly offered to do a guest blog all about Diwali.
Take it away Ekta….. round of applause please
Not many know about the story behind the reason for celebrating Diwali, but it is actually one of the most important Hindu festivals. Diwali is marked as the day in the Hindu calendar as the day that Lord Rama, along his wife Sita and brother Laxman, returned to his kingdom, Ayodhya, from a 13 year exile in the forest. Lord Hanuman, his friend, helper and confidante also came along with them.
 |
| Photo courtesy of www.iskcondesiretree.net |
The kingdom’s subjects welcomed them with great fervour and celebrations. That night being a Moonless night, they decided to light up their kingdom with all the earthen lamps they had. Thus, the festival is known and celebrated as the Festival of Lights. The word Diwali actually means ‘rows of lighted lamps’ and during the festival houses, shops and public places are decorated with small earthenware oil lamps called diyas.
 |
| Photo courtesy of http://fr.wikipedia.org |
Diwali is followed by the Hindu New Year the very next day (which is today!) This gives families a reason to come together to celebrate, eat, drink and be merry. It is tradition to make homemade sweets and savoury snacks in the lead to Diwali. These snacks are then served to guests and relatives visiting each other. As a good luck present, the elders give younger members of the family envelopes which contain cash.
 |
| Photo courtesy of www.desifoodbuzz.com |
As well as making lots of food, the women in the family decorate the doorsteps of their home. They do this by creating patterns with various coloured powders. The designs are seen as a welcome gesture, symbolic to Lord Ram’s return and his Kingdom’s welcome.
 |
| Photo courtesy of www.thehindu.com |
So there we have the story of Diwali, as told by Ekta. Thank you Ekta!
We celebrated Diwali in the office yesterday by eating traditional foods such as Motichoor Ladoo, which I can confirm were delicious! And yes, I did have to get Ekta to write that spelling down for me! Motichoor Ladoo is made of flour and sugar, among other ingredients. It is a sweet Indian delicacy and is generally made for special occasions. Hmmm, maybe we should make some pizzas that can be eaten of special occasions?!
 |
| Motichoor Ladoo |
Today is the New Year for Hindus so we should wish you all a Happy New Year!
Peace, love and Diwali pizza,
What On Earth
No comments:
Post a Comment