Diwali takes place each year after the conclusion of harvest and to coincide with the new moon between mid-October and mid-November.
Diwali symbolises the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil (Narakchaturdashi), and knowledge over ignorance”. It is widely associated with the Goddess Lakshmi (Lakshmi Pujan), who symbolises three virtues: wealth and prosperity, fertility and abundant crops, as well as good fortune.
In addition, it is a time to pay respects to the sacred Cow considered as our mother who sustains us (Vasubaras), to the God of Health Dhanvantri (Dhanteras) to ensure good health, and also a time to strengthen our family bonds, especially that of brother and sister (Bhai Duj).
The festival’s position at harvest season means it marks the bounty that the Indian subcontinent sees after monsoon season. It’s also regarded as the start of the new year based on some ancient Indian calendars.
Diwali is on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik (eighth month of the year). This overlaps October and November. The day of Diwali is the day of the new moon or Amavasya, which is holy to Hindus and is thought of as the darkest night of the year.
This year the five days of Diwali commence:
Vasubaras: 1 November 2021
Dhanteras: 2 November, 2021
Diwali (Narakchaturdashi/Lakshmi Pujan): 4 November, 2021
Padwa( New Year): 5 November, 2021
Bhai Duj: 6 November, 2021
Over the five-day period of the festival, people prepare by cleaning and decorating their homes. The festivities reach their peak on the third day, Diwali, which falls on the darkest day of the Hindu lunar month, Kartik. On this day, those celebrating dress up, light up their homes, temples and businesses with oil lamps and candles (diyas) and worship Lakshmi. They also light fireworks and enjoy a feast with their family, sharing mithai (sweets) and gifts.
Often people will leave the windows and doors of their houses open so that Lakshmi can come in and bless them with wealth and prosperity. In honour of Lakshmi, many build a small altar to the goddess, decorate it with money and pray to her. Some Hindus, Jains and Sikhs will send Diwali greeting cards during the festive season, occasionally with boxes of Indian sweets.
We’d like to take this opportunity to wish all those who are celebrating this week a very happy Diwali.