Divali

Divali is the Hindu new year and the festival of lights. The name means ‘cluster of lights’.

The festival is associated with the story of the Ramayana. Rama and Sita needed lights to guide them home after they had defeated the demon Ravanna.

Lakshmi is worshipped, as the goddess of wealth it is hoped that she will bring wealth to people in the new year, so houses are lit with Diva lamps to mark Lakshmi’s route to the house. The goddess often visits to bring presents for children.

Homes are decorated with bright lights, the house is cleaned and rangoli patterns (pavement drawings) are made with chalks. New clothes are worn and gifts exchanged.

As it is new year, business is settled and offerings made to Ganesh for good luck.

In Britain Divali is as special to Hindus as Christmas is to Christians. Good has won over evil and so we are encouraged to make a new start in life.