The Festival of Lights is here.
The Pembina Valley’s Diwali celebrants are gathering their marigolds, candles, and lamps for Diwali, the 5-day celebration that is one of the most popular holidays in the world.
Light over darkness
“Just to give an overview, ‘Diwali’ . . . comes from a Sanskrit word, Deepawali, which means ‘row of lights,’" says Sachin Jain, a local business owner who has lived in Morden for five years now. “That's why it is also known as The Festival of Lights. It is indeed the biggest festival in India and one of the most cherished celebrations in Hindu culture. It's celebrated by millions and millions of people worldwide, as we are doing here in this corner of the world.”
Jain says the 5-day Diwali stretch, which began on October 31st, symbolizes “light over darkness” and “knowledge over ignorance.”
“In short, I would say it's just victory of good over evil,” he says. “In India, it's a week-long celebration. It's filled with lighting lamps, fireworks, and of course, sharing lots of sweets and gifts with close ones. We [also] clean and decorate [our homes] with clay lamps filled with oil and some of us make colourful rangolis and flowers to bring in positivity and good vibes.”
A rangoli (from a Sanskrit word that translates to “row of colours”) is an intricate art form traditional in India. Flat surfaces are decorated with bright geometric designs. The materials used to create the works of art range from painted rocks and ochre to coloured sand and flower petals.
The designs are a joyous symbol — they are considered to usher in good fortune and happiness and represent hospitality.
A celebration rooted in generosity and closeness
In addition to prayers for blessings of health, happiness, and abundance for those who practice Hinduism, joining with loved ones in a spirit of celebration and goodwill is a hallmark of The Festival of Lights.
“It's all about sharing joy,” says Jain. “It's a lovely feeling and a great way to feel connected.”
Another important part of Diwali includes a fixture that is also common in many of the other seasonal celebrations in the Pembina Valley — fireworks.
“Fireworks are a big part of it. It enhances the excitement and joy of this festival, especially [for] the young ones,” says Jain. “They love it.”
The reflective side of Diwali
Jain says that there will be a few different celebrations for Diwali the Pembina Valley this year. He hopes to arrange one for November 9th. For Jain, an opportunity to get together with friends and family is always fun, but there is another more internal significance at this time of year as well.
“I love social gatherings and parties, so it's a fun week for me, [but] on a serious note, Diwali for me is a time to remember the importance of kindness and gratitude,” he says. “I take it as a moment to let go of any negativity and step into new beginnings . . . . Personally, I really treasure the time with family, friends, [and] reconnecting with my roots.”
In the end, The Festival of Lights is a complete package of enriching traditions for those who celebrate it.
“It's not just a festival. It's a time for self-reflection and community,” says Jain. “It's about lighting up your heart, spreading kindness, fostering that positive spirit. And in today's world, I think Diwali also reminds us to celebrate in an eco-friendlier way [as we think] about sustainable traditions.”
For more information about Diwali, see Pembina Valley Local Immigration Partnership’s calendar.
With files from Robyn Wiebe