After a long isolation, Hindu families in Grey-Bruce are keen to celebrate Diwali, festival of lights
By Chandra Shekhar Tripathi
November Month being the Hindu Heritage month in Ontario. This week, the Hindu community around the world began celebrating their biggest festival, Diwali. This five day festival started on November 2nd, with the main day of festivities occurring on November 4th. The first day is Dhanteras which sets the mood of celebration by paying homage to Lord Dhanwantari, who is associated with the science of Ayurveda and natural healing practices of the Vedic period. The second day is Narkasur Chaturdas, which celebrates Lord Krishna’s triumph over the demon Narkasur. The third day is celebrated by worshiping the goddess of prosperity, Ma Lakshmi and lighting diyas (candles). The fourth and fifth days are celebrated as Govardhan Puja, and Bhai dooz, which remind us the importance of the environment and family relationships, respectively. The festival benefits all by uplifting the human spirit, maintaining happiness by balancing health, wealth, relationships, and preserving the environment.
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus around the world and has a lot in common with other global holidays. The gatherings, gift exchanges, fireworks, and lights of Diwali are reminiscent of other celebrations such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Chinese New Year.
The core message of the festival centers around the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali has its unique significance, drawing from different legends and traditions of the Vedic era. It's also a time when daylight is really dwindling and the days are growing shorter, especially in the northern hemisphere. During this time we are in need of company, light, sweets, and festivities. You can wish anyone you know, from your neighbours to your coworkers – Happy Diwali.
Wishing everyone Shubh (happy) Diwali!