Diwali – the festival of lights

Tomorrow is Diwali. A festival celebrated by Hindus around the world. And where I come from, a festival celebrated by the country.

I look back over the years with nostalgia. Even though my husband and I do not celebrate Diwali as a religious festival, I miss celebrating it with our Hindu friends this year. In Auckland, we are still in lockdown, so the usual getting together at friends’ homes for a Diwali celebration is not an option.

But I doubt even Covid and lockdowns can overshadow the brightness this day brings.

What I love about Diwali

Diwali is, for me, like Christmas but without the booze and meat, full of fireworks, joy and laughter. And a time for family and friends. A time also for reflection over the year gone by. And as is usual with Christmas, it is a time for over-eating. And eating more, even when you are full. I love Diwali. It is one of my favourite festive seasons.

What is there not to love? The sweets, oh how I love them. And the food. The sitting down with hosts and their family and friends and sharing stories, while stuffing my face. Children and adults alike playing with firecrackers. Me, who once got burnt by a firecracker, sticking with the safety of sparklers.

I love dressing up in traditional Indian attire. This is the one day in the year I get to wear the sari unless there’s a wedding of course!

The lighting of diyas and candles is an amazing experience, especially when you get to do it with the kids. I love watching fairy lights as they flicker on the houses and compounds of those who celebrate the festival. The smell of firecracker smoke, combined with the beautiful scents from the diyas.

And a dark night lit up not just by lights but also by the glowing hearts of the hosts.

Triumph of good over evil

It is a day that I look forward to each year. Maybe this is so because, in Fiji, this is one of the biggest festivals. Diwali and its festivities are ingrained in me.

I remember our Hindu neighbours bringing us plates of sweets to share their joy. And despite firecrackers going off, me sleeping undisturbed.

Diwali is a day symbolic of the fight between good and evil, where good triumphs. I am not so well versed in the religious aspects to say much more. I am sure my Hindu friends will fill in the gaps with their comments.

But I must say, especially during these times, that I hope this day brings light to whatever darkness we may find ourselves in. I hope the good in our hearts, minds, homes, and communities triumphs over all the evils out there.

A very happy and wonderful Diwali to all my friends. And to Aucklanders celebrating Diwali – lockdown is only a temporary hurdle. The good always comes out winning.

Love, Vikashni.