In ancient times and even today, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom, Ayodhya, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman after being exiled in a forest for 14 years.
The people of Ayodhya are said to have welcomed Lord Rama, Lakshman and Sita with fire crackers and by lighting clay lamps around their homes. The lights are believed to bring good luck, prosperity and wealth.
That’s why Diwali is also known as the festival of lights.
Their return from exile and the battle with Demon King Ravaana signifies the universal victory of good over evil.
The festival is celebrated every year with great spirit not only by the Hindu community, but also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. It’s a festival that unites across religions and is uniquely important for that reason alone.
This year Lakshmi Puja, the main day of celebrations, is celebrated on Thursday 4 November 2021.
It’s an auspicious day for many families who will celebrate the occasion through prayer, reflection and uniting with other family members and friends. It is also a time to connecting and sending messages of well wishes to others.
It also an occasion for gifting mouthwatering sweets like ladoo, jilebhi and barfi just to name a few. Savoury treats like Pakoras are also quite popular.
Traditional Diwali feasts are usually vegetarian.
It will also be one that is also celebrated online after restrictions have impacted families around the world.
The main day of the festival of Diwali is an official holiday in the following countries: Fiji, Guyana, India, Malaysia (except Sarawak), Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The Hindu Council Australia (HCA) has a series of celebrations that you can join in on including the illumination of iconic buildings Canberra and in Sydney including Town Hall in the city. High Street in Penrith and Wentworthville New Hall will also be illuminated.
The Hindu Council Australia is a national body representing more than 50 organisations and bringing together not only Hindus but also other religious and cultural communities in Australia.
Deepavali programs by HCA have been attracting thousands of visitors annually and in 2019 over 50,000 people attended the fairs at different locations.
Last year (due to COVID-19) there was no physical event however this did not stop all those wishing to celebrate Diwali by joining the festivities online.
Click here to visit the Hindu Council Australia
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The Hindu community in Australia, India and around the world celebrates Deepavali (or Diwali), known famously around the world as the festival of lights. It’s one of the largest and most important festivals on the Hindu calendar.