Diwali celebration, 2003

Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights. The word diwali literally means 'rows of lamps'. The festival is celebrated by Hindus all over the world and is one of the most important occasions in the Hindu lunar calendar. Diwali takes place in October/November and is the sign of a new year.

At Diwali time a very famous story called the Ramayana is told. In the story, the citizens of Ayodhaya become very sad when King Rama is exiled to the jungle for fourteen years. After this time, he returns and there is a joyous celebration. People line the streets with 'divas' or candles to show the way to his palace and paint Rangoli patterns with coloured powders outside their homes as a sign of welcome.

Throughout the world, Diwali continues to be celebrated in the same way today. It is full of light, colour, sweets, decorations, songs and dance.

During Diwali important traditions and rituals are performed, which are passed on to each new generation. People clean their homes from top to bottom, wear new clothes, exchange gifts, send cards, and say prayers or puja.

In the Hindu religion, there are many gods and goddesses. At Diwali time you might pray to the elephant-headed Ganesh, the 'remover of obstacles', or to the goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. Diwali is also an auspicious time for business people, as old account books are closed, and the new financial year begins.

Diwali is a very happy occasion and a time for celebration, taking away the darkness and bringing light into our lives.

Remembering Diwali

This is how members of the Hindu Elders' Group remember Diwali as children:

"There were fireworks, new clothes, we would meet our friends and have a party." Pushpa.

"When I was a small child, my father took me to a shop to buy fireworks, and at home there was a cow for fresh milk. My mother would make puddings from the milk." Karshan.

"My father was a goldsmith. At Diwali time, every year, he would give me a new bracelet, necklace or ring." Urmilla.