By Anushka Parekh, Organisational Development Advisor - HR
It’s that time of year of vibrant colours, eye-popping fireworks, twinkling lights and delicious food! Did you know Diwali is equivalent to celebrating Christmas? It literally means a ‘row of lights’. It’s usually celebrated over five days – that’s five days illuminating thousands of homes with diyas (candles), fireworks and joy and celebrated by many Hindus, Sikh’ and Jains across the world. Diwali, or its equivalent name, is celebrated differently by each religion and has a different story.
The common message for Diwali is that it’s a celebration of good triumph over evil, relating back to events in scriptures. The exact dates change each year and are determined by the position of the moon – but it usually falls between October and November.
But it’s not just about lights and legends, Diwali is a time to have fun with friends and family!
Growing up, I’ve lived in 11 different cities, and finding a South Asian community was important to my parents. Living in Birmingham, we found that community. It was really exciting for me to come home from school every year, as I’d get new clothes, yummy food and create ‘rangoli’ – which are beautiful patterns made using powders and flowers to bring good luck. This was the only day we were allowed to keep all the lights on as the lights bring Gods into your house which brings prosperity and blessings. My mum would always ensure the house was spotless so that wasn’t the fun part! A huge part of Diwali is giving each other something sweet – this is usually an Indian sweet, it’s a sugar overload, full-fat milk and cream type of sweet which is certainly indulgent!
I am half Gujaratri and half North Indian, and growing up we followed different customs, such as doing prayers at home with family as opposed to doing this in a communal area. Now that I have married someone who is Gujarati, the day after Diwali we go to the temple. We start the year on a positive note, give our prayers and blessings to the gods which brings a sense of calmness. We wish each other ‘Sal Mubarak’ (Happy New Year) on lots of phone calls and speak to those we haven’t spoken to in so long. It brings a sense of togetherness.
Did you know Leicester holds the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India? Every thousands of people gather in the streets to enjoy vibrant shows of light, music and dancing! As part of celebrating, I'm choreographing a dance for children at our annual Diwali South Asian Event which is a lot of fun!
I hope you enjoyed reading my story, and what Diwali means too me.
