Deepavali: Light over darkness and a time for family and friends
Deepavali, the Hindu festival also known as the festival of lights that honours the birth of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity is celebrated in October or November every year in Sri Lanka. This year Deepavali falls on October 31. The victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance, the word Deepavali comes from the Sanskrit words ‘deep’ (lamp) and vali (array).
Legends of Deepali vary for Hindus worldwide. The most famous is associated with Rama and his return from 14 years of exile after defeating the demon king Ravana. Homes are cleaned and made festive with intricate kolams decorating the entrances and families donning new clothes and visiting the temple.
Celebrating the festival of lights. Pic by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
“All bad qualities are eliminated and good deeds are to be followed,” says Siranjeevi Nadarajah, who celebrates Deepavali with his family and friends.
“When my children were small I used to decorate my home and we would visit the temple and then meet up with our friends. We always make it a very special day and go out for a meal or invite friends home. Festivals bind families and friends and truly Deepavali is a very significant day for us to be happy,” Principal of the Kalalaya School of the Sri Lanka Tamil Women’s Union, Gowri Shanker Somasunderam said.
Gowri relates some of the rituals that she follows at her home. “I usually make it a tradition to have a “kumbam” for all Hindu festivals at the entrance. A kumbam signifies happiness, peace and prosperity. A pot is filled with water and on the mouth of it, a coconut is placed and in between the coconut and the mouth of the pot, mango leaves are beautifully spread out in even numbers and decorated with sandalwood powder. The pot is placed on a bed of paddy or rice spread on banana leaf. It is a beautiful significance for any home and immediately lights up the house.”
“We do the Lakshmi Pooja that brings prosperity,” says Diya Udeshi who celebrates Deepavali with friends and family. Deepavali celebrations continue for a few days.
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