Celebrate Diwali

What is Diwali?
Diwali is the Hindu Festival of Light, which marks the beginning of the lunar New Year. Symbolically, Diwali represents a reaffirmation of hope, with a focus on friendship, goodwill and the true and positive values of life.

When is it celebrated?
Diwali falls within October or November and lasts five days, with each day having a particular relevance according to a number of myths, legends and beliefs. The exact dates each year depend on the lunar calendar.

How is it celebrated?
Diwali is a huge family festival. It begins with worship, followed by a celebration breakfast. Families dress in new clothes and jewels and visit friends to exchange gifts and sweets. Fireworks herald the beginning of the festivities and, at night, every building is lit with little lamps to welcome Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Diwali in the UK
The city of Leicester is particularly known for its Diwali celebrations, the largest in the UK. Lights are switched on on Belgrave Road and the shops stay open late. Thousands gather to watch traditional music and dancing on stage then witness a fireworks display. Diwali is also a time to redecorate homes and buy new clothes.

Religious significance
Although Hindus pray to every god during Diwali, three have particular significance: Vishnu, Yama and Lakshmi.

Vishnu - Diwali originates from an ancient Indian poem about the principle Hindu god, Vishnu, who, it is believed, experienced many different incarnations. As Prince Rama, Vishnu was exiled from his home in northern India by a wicked stepmother who wanted her own son to be king. When, after 14 years, Rama returned, his path was lit with burning lamps, welcoming him back home.

Yama - Once a year, on the first night of the Diwali celebrations, Yama - the god of death - is welcomed with a solitary flame, which is believed to guide the spirits of the dead to their former home.

Lakshmi - During the festival, family silver and gold is offered to Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, who will be asked to bless the family business and bring a prosperous year.

Foods to make
Food, especially sweets and desserts, is an essential part of any Diwali celebration, whether it is in the form of gifts to friends and family, entertaining or religious offerings, according to Meena Pathak, author of several Indian cookbooks and head of Patak's, which makes curry pastes and other Indian foods. 'Diwali is like the Hindu equivalent of New Year, a perfect excuse to eat wonderful food,' she says.'