What is Diwali and what to say to someone celebrating the festival?
If you’re looking for an October festivity that isn’t quite as dark and spooky as Halloween, you couldn’t get a greater contrast than Diwali.
Known as Diwali, Deepavali or Dipavali, the festival is celebrated from today, Sunday 27 October.
What is the festival celebrating and how long does it last?
What is Diwali?
Diwali is a Hindu festival, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world.
It is commonly referred to as the festival of lights since a lot of the celebrations involve big, bold displays of light and colour.
The term dipavali comes from the Sanskrit meaning ‘row or series of lights.’
As well as symbolising the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance, Diwali is often associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.
How do people celebrate Diwali?
Those celebrating the festival will typically decorate their homes with lights and rangolis, elaborate patterns made out of materials including rice, coloured sand and flowers.
There’s usually big celebrations in big towns and cities across the world, where there will be fireworks, light displays, dancing and food – which Shoreditch’s Dishoom did exceptionally well this year.
One of the most popular dishes to eat in Diwali is called Lapsi Halwa, and is made from cracked wheat, cooked with ghee and sweetened with sugar and cardamom.
How long does Diwali last?
The festival usually lasts up to five days, coinciding with the new moon on the Hindu lunar calendar, called Amavasya.
How to wish someone a ‘happy Diwali’
A simple ‘happy Diwali’ will do the trick, but there are other Diwali wishes you can say to anyone celebrating the festival.
A traditional Diwali greeting is to say ‘wishing you a Diwali that brings happiness prosperity and joy to you and all your family.’
You can also wish: ‘May your life be as colourful, shimmering and magical as the lights of Diwali.’
Another can be: ‘May every aspect of your life be as luminous and wonderful as the lights on the lamps of Diwali.’
Some longer greetings best used for a card or a text message include:
Diwali greetings
On this auspicious festival of lights,
May the glow of joy,
Prosperity and happiness
Illuminate your life and your home.’
Diwali greetings
‘A festival full of sweet childhood memories,
A sky full of lights,
Mouth full of sweets,
And heart full of joy.
Wishing You All A Very Happy Diwali.’
MORE: Diwali 2017: How to say Happy Diwali in Hindi, Punjabi and Tamil