Hindus pray for family and unity as Diwali enters important third day

THE Nelson Mandela Bay Hindu community will suit up in their most colourful garb today as they celebrate the third day in their five-day Diwali celebration.

Hundreds of Hindu followers will observe the holiday by offering prayers to the gods, visiting friends and family, offering sweetmeats and giving gifts to their loved ones. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali includes the lighting of little clay lamps and placing them in homes and places of business.

The festival is also known for its fireworks displays and the giving of gifts and sweets. Another way followers celebrate is by adorning their homes with Rangoli, traditional Hindu art.

Diwali usually falls in October or November each year, depending on the cycle of the moon. It is observed on the 15th day of Kartik aas, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar.

This year’s festival is being celebrated between November 9 and 13.

The first of the five days is known as Vaak Baras, and a prayer is offered to the goddess Saraswati for knowledge and wisdom. The second day is known as Dhan Teras. On this day Hindus offer prayer for prosperity to Ma Laksmi.

The third and most important day, being celebrated today, is known as Kali Chaudash Payer Ma Shakti. Prayers are made for family, good health, strength and unity.

On the fourth day, Hindus pray to the Lord Ram. The festival ends when the Gujarati community celebrates New Year.

Devotees light lamps in honour of the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sitaand and his brother Lakshmana, who were in exile for 14 years. To honour the return of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana and to illumi- nate their path, villagers light lamps to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

Hindu Priest Kirit Bhai Acharya said he wished all Hindus “a very blessed and happy Diwali. And to the Gujerati community I would like to wish them a prosperous new year 2072. May the new year bring joy, happiness, love, unity, good health, success and prosperity.”