Let light shine on Diwali festivities and activities

People from all over the world celebrate Diwali, festival of light on Saturday, December 14. Diwali, also known as Deepaval, symbolises the victory of good over evil. Derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Dipavali’, Diwali means a row of lights.

The preparation for this grand festival starts well ahead with people cleaning their houses and offices, which is very similar to festivals and traditions across the world such as Hogmanay and Chinese New Year. Then they decorate their homes with flowers, lamps, lights and rangoli.

Like many festivals across the world, food too plays an essential role in Diwali. Friends and families gift delicious sweets or savouries to wish loved ones luck and prosperity for the coming days.

The festival is an annual homecoming and bonding period not only for families, but also for communities and associations, which will organise activities, events and gatherings.

It’s very important to recognise the festival’s

significance to our Indian community. With their involvement, it’s a great opportunity to come together to engage, enjoy, educate and celebrate the diverse cultures of New Zealand.

There are plenty of resources in the library to help everyone understand the meaning of Diwali and delight in the traditions of Indian culture. Please check out the book display leading up to the festival. From 3.30pm to 5pm on Thursday, November 3 in our Main Space and Youth Space, there will be Diwali activities for all the family: kids’ rangoli colouring and craft; traditional music and dancing; henna art; a beautiful display of Indian saris and the chance to participate in creating a beautiful rangoli artwork using coloured rice.

Rangoli is “time-bound”, created over hours or days only to be a temporary installation. We blow away the rice or sand the next day to return it to nature, reflecting the impermanence of life and bringing good luck and prosperity.

While many of us don’t have the opportunity to travel abroad, you can explore India’s wonders through our virtual reality experience — the Taj Mahal, forts, festivals, elaborate weddings and remote places like the Pushkar Camel Fair.

What better way to take a pause after the darkness of winter, let the Diwali lights shine bright and celebrate a wonderful atmosphere full of goodness and purity.