Diwali also called Deepawali is known as the festival of lights. It is one of the most known and cherished festival of India. Diwali is the time of joy and togetherness in which people celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Although Diwali is primarily known to be an Indian festival it is also widely observed in Fiji, Malaysia, Nepal and Singapore. For me, Diwali is a festival in which I get to wear beautiful lehengas, eat delicious sweets, spend lots of time with my friends and make beautiful paper lanterns! There are 4 elements which are part of this auspicious festival which include; Diya, Lantern, Rangoli and sweets. Now let us have a look at the significance of these elements.
Diya (light of prosperity and hope)
Diyas are perhaps the most iconic symbol of Diwali. It is known to be a sign of hope, prosperity and optimism. Diyas are associated with the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Goddess Laxmi. This tradition is rooted in Hindu mythology, where it is said that when Lord Rama returned after defeating king Ravana diyas were lit to celebrate Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya which is celebrated as Diwali.
Lantern (Akash Diya)
Whenever I hold a Diwali lantern, I feel like I am carrying a piece of the stars in the sky. Lanterns are also called as Akash kandil or Akash Diya. Akash meaning, sky and Diya meaning lantern or lamp. In ancient times, Hindus set the lanterns fly high in sky to invite the spirits of their ancestors to come back home and celebrate the festival along with them. Apart from this a lantern also symbolizes joy, good fortune, prosperity and act as protecters from evil.
Rangoli (cultural art form)
Rangoli also known as Kolam in Tamil is a cultural art form which is made in the entrance of the house to invite goddess Laxmi to the household and the guests who visit the household. During festivals, rangoli is considered auspicious and has spiritual perspectives and benefits. Rangolis are usually drawn using rice flour (either plain or dyed. The designs made are usually inspired from nature. There are also few other designs which are made, these include: Geometrical shapes, free form, Swastik rangoli, Om shape rangoli and spiral rangoli. Every rangoli design made is an art featuring hospitality.
Sweets (the irresistible symphony of Diwali)
As the radiant festival of Diwali approaches a delicious revolution unfolds. It’s the presence of sweets that truly elevates this festival. There are numerous sweets prepared during Diwali. Some of the sweets prepared include; Jalebi (the swirls of happiness), Adhirasam (chewy bliss) and Kaju katli (diamond delights). My favorite of all these sweets is Adhirasam. Adhirasam is a sweet that is loved in the South of India. I would describe it as a comforting hug on a plate. It is a celebration of tradition and is a connection to your roots and a promise of sweet moments in the coming year. So, as you prepare to celebrate Diwali, remember that these sweets are not just meant to satisfy your taste buds; it is a reflection of love, respect and affection. The feeling when you exchange sweets with your dear ones with sweets prepared with a special ingredient “love” is unexplainable. So, remember, in every sweet crumb there lies a world of celebration and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
As the auspicious date of Diwali approaches, I can’t wait to have those delicious sweets, hold those beautiful lanterns, draw those colorful rangolis and light all those diyas. May this Diwali be a celebration of hope, creativity, light, wisdom and prosperity!