“Festival of Lights”

Ayra Aayath,III-B, Indian Learners Own Academy

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Diwali is the most important religious festival celebrated by followers of Hinduism. The festival of lights, Diwali, symbolises the spiritual "victoryof light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance", is celebrated with great passion by the Indian community. Diwali takes place every year in late October or early November depending on the cycle of the moon. In 2020, Diwali will fall on November 14, Saturday.

Diwali Celebrations by NRI’s

Diwali for the NRI has a very different image. The distance from homeland is always the greatest when it is measured by a lonely person’s heart during festivals.People of Kuwait celebrating the festival inside their homes rather than going out to the streets.Houses here are decorated with lighted lamps and Diya. They celebrate the Diwali by shopping, fireworks, puja (prayers), gifts, feast, and preparing Indian sweets.

Exchanging Gifts during Diwali

Shopping and exchanging gifts are a big part of the celebration .The foremost idea behind the custom of exchanging gifts for Diwali is to perk up the feeling of togetherness, love and affection. People confer their heartfelt feelings, blessings, wishes and appreciation for their near and dear ones via gift.Here are special Diwali Gifts that may be given –doles of Deities, Dry Fruits, Sweets, Scented Candles, Gift Hampers, Wall Hangings

Different ideas to beautify our home during Diwali season.

The Indian community in Kuwait is gearing up to indulge in wide range of festivities to celebrate the Diwali along with family and friends. Many have already bought decorative items, electric lights and earthen pots [diya] to light up diyas. Celebrating an eco-friendly Diwali is the way to go to enjoy the true spirit of the festival.

Newspaper Wall Hanging: Most houses have abundant supply of newspapers and magazines and with little efforts; these can be transformed into a gorgeous wall hanging.
Decor Items: - Gift your near and dear ones nice decorative items to adorn their houses. Popular decor gift items include paintings, show pieces, sculptures, flower vases, and hanging bells.

Diwali Candles: - Nicely decorated candles are great too. These days, candles of various shapes, colours and scents are available in the market.

Significance of Diyas, Rangoli, Lanterns and sweets during Diwali

Lighting Diya in Diwali: - A diya or an earthen lamp is synonymous to the festival of Diwali. Especially in Diwali, diyas or candles are representing of enlightenment, knowledge or wisdom.

Lantern:- These lanterns are generally hung in front of homes during the festival of lights. It is a device used to illuminate surrounding space..
Shopping

Shopping for Diwali festival is the inevitable for people in India.Diwali is not only a cultural festival of India but also a shopping .It is said that a gift is the best way to express ones feelings or affection for others. During Diwali, people exchange gifts and sweets with family, friends and neighbour.

Rangoli :- Designs are passed from one generation to the next, keeping both the art form and the tradition alive. The purpose of rangoli is to feel strength, generosity, and it is thought to bring good luck. Rangoli design is created at the entrance of the house, not only to welcome the guests that visit, but also the goddess herself. Rangoli patterns are usually made using coloured chalk, rice powder, and crushed limestone. Diwali means colourful rangolis!

Sweets: - Preparing and distributing sweets and gifts among friends and guests on Diwali are also a must. We make some special sweets like laddus and rice kheer and hand over sweets to all our friends in our building. All children then get together to have fun and celebrate.Sweets are a small gesture of greeting people, family, and friends with the joy of celebrating the festival. A wide range of choices of flavours and endless types are a must at any festival and especially Diwali.

Gifts Card
Giving Gifts card on Diwali is an excellent way to strengthen relationships with your near and dear ones. A present on this occasion reflects the warm feelings of the gift-giver and also the spirit of the festival. Diwali, apart from being the festival of lights, is also the occasion of exchanging gifts.

Safety measures while bursting crackers.

This festival is celebrated with sparklers, firecrackers and fireworks are held in many places.

If you're playing with crackers (green crackers), make sure that you wear loose, full sleeve, cotton clothes to avoid catching fire while lighting firecrackers. Avoid nylon or synthetic fabrics as they can easily catch fire and worsen burn injury. Avoid keeping your face close to the cracker while trying to light it

We have a get-together on the day before Diwali or on Diwali. There is a lot more social interaction back home with relatives. We try to do the same over here with friends. On this auspicious and sparkling festival of lights, may the glow of lamp illuminate our life and brings joy, Prosperity and happiness.
May the divine light spread hope, happiness, health and prosperity! Happy Diwali!

Ayra Aayath,III-B, Indian Learners Own Academy

s