Hello dear readers! This morning I recieved numerous Diwali greetings from Indian friends in the office. Honestly, I don't have any idea what Diwali celebration is until my close friend and happened to be my mentor in premier unit explained it to me (promoting Indian tourism, lol! "Susmita Sen ikaw ba yan?"). Then, I got to fully understood what this celebration all about. Besides, that would be another contribution to my exposure to asian culture and tradition, right?!
Diwali is one the most well-known Indian festival and is often referred to as the "Festival of Lights". The word itself means "row of lighted clay lamps." It is a five day celebration marked with bright color, oil lamps, feast, and sparklers. Diwali occurs on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartika (during October/November in the Gregorean calendar). Homes, courtyards, and rooftops are commonly decorated with small oil lamps (called diyas). Rangoli, a form of colorful sand paintings, adorns doorsteps.
The festival marks the victory of good over evil, and uplifting of spiritual darkness. Symbolically it marks the home coming of goodwill and faith after an absence, as suggested by the Ramanaya.
On the day of Diwali, many wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks. Some nort indian business communities start their financial year on Diwali and new account books are opened on this day. In India, Diwali is now considered to be the national festival, and the aesthetic aspect of the festival is enjoyed by most indian regardless of faith.
To all those (muslim and non-muslim) who might be reading this, dont get me wrong!. I was just amazed by the asian culture and tradition. Learn to appreciate things because that is part of you wherever you may go.
Thank you talaga Tsutsubels for the information!
