Deepawali

Dewan Chand, Suva

Deepawali or Diwali, the largest Hindu festival of lights will be celebrated on Sunday October 28, 2019.

It is perhaps the largest festival of lights that is celebrated around the globe.

Teeming millions of earthen lights or diyas will light up the sky and the horizon will explode with the cacophony of fireworks. Thus creating an atmosphere of togetherness and happiness for millions of Hindus and their friends.

Deepawali is a religious festival and it precedes weeks of preparation and offering special prayers such as Navratri where goddesses are worshipped in their various forms.

Devotees fast and pray and ask for the Lord’s blessings. The devout go to the temples, but others create their own little temples in their homes. At this time, Hindus generally abstain from eating meat, drinking alcohol or indulging in gambling. These are considered impure activities and a distraction in the pursuit of spirituality.

Common belief is that Deepawali marks the return of Lord Rama, along with his consort Sita and brother Laxmana to Ayodhya, their capital city.

People in their jubilation light the houses and roads with diyas and earthen lamps.

Since this is the darkest night it also symbolises the victory of good over evil, the victory of light over darkness.

It also marks the emergence of devi Mahalaxmi, the goddess of wealth, from the ocean of nectar. There are many other beliefs associated with Deepawali.

It is also considered the festival marking the end of the harvesting season.

Fiji marks Deepawali as a national festival and people of all religious beliefs share in the joy, peace and happiness of the festival.

It is certainly a great uniting factor for all Fijians.

May I wish all Fijians a very Happy Deepawali. God bless.