November’s here and it’s once again time to bring out the candles for the much anticipated festival of lights – Deepavali! Symbolizing the victory of good over evil, this festival is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. As these communities spread across the world, Deepavali – or Diwali, as it is more commonly known – spread along with them. Everywhere they went, people changed the way they celebrated Diwali a little.
Diwali Across Different Nations
Amongst some nations of the Caribbean, such as Trinidad and Tobago, Diwali is not limited to just Indian religious groups. In those hyper diverse immigrant communities, it is a festival of unity – a Hindu-Muslim-Christian-Indo-Trinidadian and Afro-Trinidadian celebration! In Malaysia, it’s known as Hari Diwali. The festival is celebrated with full fanfare and fervour across the country (with the exception of Sarawak & Federal Territory of Labuan). There, a traditional Indian oil bath precedes the festivities.
The Mythology
The Diwali celebrations are defined by visits to temples and prayers at the household altars. Small lamps made from clay, filled with oil and wicks are a common sight around the cities. They signify the victory of Lord Ram, the hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana, over the demon king Ravana. While, in North India, Deepavali is celebrated to welcome Lord Ram home, in the Southern part of the country, it marks the defeat of Narakasura by Lord Krishna. The western part of the country celebrates Lord Vishnu because of the exile of the demon King Bali into netherworld. The significance of Diwali varies among cities in India, though definitely not any less in importance.
Celebrations Over The Diwali Week
The celebrations for Diwali are spread over a few days. They begin with Dhanteras, a day on which new purchases, especially gold or silver articles, are made because they are considered auspicious. 
Over the duration of the celebrations, people clean up their homes. They then decorate their homes with oil lamps, fairy lights and rangoli (a pattern made on the floor with coloured sand or rice).On the new moon night of Krishna Paksha(dark fortnight) also known as Amavasya, the family gathers together for Lakshmi & Ganesh Pooja. Goddess Lakshmi is called upon to foster wealth and prosperity on the family. Any amount of wealth, without the intelligence to handle it, is a waste. Since, Lord Ganesha is considered the God of intelligence, Lakshmi is always worshipped along with Ganesh on this day.
In countries such as India and Singapore, as with all other festivals, the celebration of Diwali is not complete without fireworks and a mouth-watering feast. So, what are you waiting for? Invite yourself over to your neighbour’s and enjoy the festivities this Diwali!
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