Divali // Diwali

Diwali is a Hindu festival.

Diwali is a festival of light. The light helps the gods to shine away the darkness. Good shall win over evil. Candles and rangoli decorations on the door welcome guests and the good gods. Evil spirits shall be kept away.

There is no set way to celebrate Diwali. There can be different celebrations in different places. Diwali is celebrated at the end of October or at the beginning of November. On Diwali, the family dresses up in smart clothes. Many people paint their hands with henna. It is customary to celebrate with family and friends. They eat good food, cakes, and sweets. Many give each other gifts. Some also set off fireworks.

Bilde av en famile som sotter rundt et bord i hagen åspiser mat. De har på fest klær. De feirer Divali — Diwali party with family and friends.

Bilde av en som maler hendene sine med henna maling — Diwali party with family and friends.

Hindus believe in many gods. Lakshmi is the goddess of light, prosperity and wealth. Hindus hope that Lakshmi will visit their house during Diwali. She keeps evil spirits away. Diwali also commemorates the return of the gods Rama and Sita after many years on the run.

Illustrasjon av hinduisktiske guden Lakhsmi — The goddess Lakshmi

Illustrasjon av hinduistiske gudene Rama og Sita — The goddess Lakshmi

During Diwali, Hindus pray and give gifts to the gods. This is called ‘puja’. Then food, drink, candles, and incense are set out. Many sing or dance. It is also a custom to give the statues of the gods a wash and decorate them with a colored powder. On Diwali, many go to temples and visit friends. They wish each other happy Diwali and send Diwali cards.