Diwali, the festival of lights, always brings with it a sense of joy and excitement. A festival that is mostly attributed to the Hindu culture of India, Diwali has over the centuries transcended the walls of religion and has turned out to be one of the most popular festivals in the world.
What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘Diwali’?
Delicious sweet treats, firecrackers, and lots of fun! Right?
As Diwali is set to be celebrated on 14 November, celebrations might be a bit subdued this time around due to the exceptional situation across the globe brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, let’s not let the pandemic take the excitement out of Diwali!
What’s Diwali about?
What is all this celebration about Diwali related to? The answer to that question depends on whom you ask the question to. Nevertheless, Diwali is associated with the triumph of good over evil. The festival is celebrated in the month of Kartika according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar. In Hindu mythology, it is associated with the return of Lord Rama to his homeland after spending 14 years away. Rama is arriving after his victory over Ravana, the demon king. The beautiful lamps or diyas that are lit during the festival are hence to welcome the returning Rama.
The occasion and the lamps are also seen as devotion towards and welcoming of the Goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth in the Hindu religion.
But it’s not just the Hindu mythology that adds a religious significance to Diwali. For the followers of Jainism, Diwali is the time when they commemorate their founder Vardhamana Mahavira attained Nirvana. The followers of Sikhism commemorate the freeing of Guru Hargobind (their sixth Guru) from imprisonment during the festival.
There are many more mythological and historical stories attributed to the festival. But today, Diwali has transformed all these religious barriers and is a season of love, positivity, and celebration in which everyone partakes.
The Diwali celebrations
Diwali is celebrated over a period of five days. People devote time to cleaning their homes in a bid to welcome good fortune. It is also the time when we would indulge in a number of shopping sprees.
The night of the main celebrations is the occasion when decorated lamps and diyas are lit at homes and other buildings. Special pujas are also performed during the festival. Then there comes the joyful distribution of sweets which is one of the characteristic features of Diwali. Specially prepared sweetmeats are the popular food items during this period. It’s also a time for family visits, special rituals, and sumptuous meals.
Diwali amidst COVID-19
Singapore has always celebrated Diwali with a great deal of splendour. Night markets, brightly lit streets in places such as Little India, delicious meals and temple visits have all been attributes that were never missed during the festival.
This year, however, is quite different from normal times. The deadly COVID-19 pandemic has meant that we’ve had to cut down on a considerable part of all our celebrations and normal routines.
With the COVID-19 threat still looming large, there will be a bit of restraint during this year’s Diwali. Together with the 5-person limit for gatherings and visitations, this could prove slightly challenging when meeting loved ones.
However, brightly lit streets, relishable meals, and sweets will be enjoyed this year as always. But when it comes to the lively night markets that usually add to the celebratory Diwali mood, this year we are going to have to pass. Thankfully, some of these stores have been selling their goods online, so there has been not much fuss.
The spirit of Diwali lays in the hearts and souls of those who celebrate it. So whatever small restraints there might be on celebrations, Diwali this year is going to be as special as ever. In this testing year of global turmoil, let us remember the message that Diwali gives us – “the triumph of good over evil”. If any of us ever feel worn out after this long year, may the lamps that are going to be lit during this Diwali spread their light of hope into our lives.
Happy Diwali!
Diwali Celebrations go Digital this year!
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