HAPPY DEEPAVALI!

Got a friend from India who is celebrating this festival, so I want to greet them HAPPY DEEPAVALI!

Deepavali Festival is mostly celebrated by the Sri Lankan Tamils. Deepavali is also known as Diwali in both India and Sri Lanka. Deepavali Festival means many rituals and lighting off small lamps to banish off all shadows from one’s house and life. It is also termed as the Festival of Lights. This festival has a sublime significance, for it symbolizes the victory of good forces over evil forces. The lamps are symbolic of this celebration and hope for an bright and prosperous future. Fireworks are add to the glow and color and aura of the festival. In India, the northern part calls it Diwali and the southern part of the country knows this festival as Deepavali. As Sri Lankans Hindus (mostly Tamils), follow mainly the customs of South India, Festival of Lights is known as Deepavali Festival on the island too.

Diwali or Deepavali is usually celebrated in October or November, and is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals in India. It is celebrated after twenty days of Dussehra Festival.

For practicing Hindus it is one of the most important festivals in a year. There is a legend associated with this festival. It is said that this festival is celebrated to mark Lord Rama’s victory over Demon King, Ravana.

In Sri Lanka, this festival is mostly celebrated by the Tamil community scattered in different areas of the island but mostly concentrated in the north. Haven and Puja are performed as part of the rituals and people to wear new clothes. Pleasantries and gifts are exchanged with friends and relatives.

Deepavali Festival is observed to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Sri Lankan Tamils or Hindus light up their homes with decorative lamps and diyas. Special sweet dishes are prepared to propitiate the Goddess and earn her eternal blessings.