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Feast of Diwali – 24-28 October 2022

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a religious observance commemorated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists around the world.

(A five day celebration), every autumn, the observance sees millions of people attend firework displays, prayer services and festive events in celebration of the occasion.

However, festivities were cancelled last year for many due to the coronavirus pandemic. With restrictions eased this year, some people are planning to hold big gatherings, while others plan to have another quiet celebration.

While Diwali holds significance for a variety of reasons, one of the core themes of the festival, as symbolised by the prevalence lights, is the triumph of good over evil.

Here is everything you need to know about Diwali:

What is Diwali?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali or Dipavali, comes from the Sanksrit word dipavali meaning “row or series of lights”.

Rajnish Kashyap, general secretary and director of Hindu Council UK, explains that the festival, which is one of the most significant for those of the Hindu faith, can trace its origins back to ancient times “when the end of the summer harvest season was celebrated with much pomp and splendour”.

“It signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil and sees millions of lamps lit at homes, temples, shops and public buildings across the world,” Mr Kashyap tells The Independent.

Another main theme of Diwali is the recollection of a story called Ramayan, which details how the Hindu god Rama returned to his kingdom with his wife, Sita, and his brother, Lakchman, after several years of exile.

“To illuminate the path through which they return and in order to guide them home, diyas (clay lamps) are lit everywhere and the world is bathed in golden hues of light,” Mr Kashyap explains.

Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity, is also celebrated in Hindu households during the festival.

 

Source: Text: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/diwali-2022-festival-lights   

Célébration de Diwali – 2021

 Le festival de DIWdiwaliALI est la fête la plus importante dans  le calendrier hindou. Ce nom est dérivé du sanskrit signifiant ‘rangée de lampes’. C’est en fait un festival de lumières en l’honneur de la déesse LAKSHMI. Les célébrations s’étendent sur une période de cinq jours, (cette année du 2 au 6 novembre) le troisième marquant la fin de l’année; en effet, la nouvelle année commence le lendemain pour les adeptes de cette religion.    (Information: Wikipedia)

« Dans l’hindouisme, les hommes scrutent le mystère divin… Ils cherchent la libération des angoisses de notre condition humaine soit par les formes de la vie ascétique, soit par la méditation profonde, soit par le refuge en Dieu avec amour et confiance. »

(Vatican ll, Déclaration sur Les relations de l’Église avec les religions non-chrétiennes, no. 2)

Diwali 2021

diwali againThis year from November 2th to the 6th, our Hindu friends, neighbours and colleagues are celebrating the feast of DIWALI, « the festival of lights ». The festival spiritually signifies the victory of good over evil.

Ahead of the feast, people clean and decorate their homes and offices. They light up lamps and candles inside and outside their homes and they take part in family prayers to LAKSHMI, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. A family feast follows with exchange of gifts.   (Source Wikipedia)

« In Hinduism, men contemplate the divine mystery… They seek freedom from the anguish of our human condition either through ascetical practices or profound meditation, or a flight to God with love and trust. » 

(Vatican ll document on The Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, no.2)

 

Diwali

 Le festival de DIWdiwaliALI est la fête la plus importante dans  le calendrier hindou. Ce nom est dérivé du sanskrit signifiant ‘rangée de lampes’. C’est en fait un festival de lumières en l’honneur de la déesse LAKSHMI. Les célébrations s’étendent sur une période de cinq jours, (cette année du 11 au 15 novembre) le troisième marquant la fin de l’année; en effet, la nouvelle année commence le lendemain pour les adeptes de cette religion.    (Information: Wikipedia)

« Dans l’hindouisme, les hommes scrutent le mystère divin… Ils cherchent la libération des angoisses de notre condition humaine soit par les formes de la vie ascétique, soit par la méditation profonde, soit par le refuge en Dieu avec amour et confiance. »

(Vatican ll, Déclaration sur Les relations de l’Église avec les religions non-chrétiennes, no. 2)

Diwali

diwali againThis year from November 11th to the 15th, our Hindu friends, neighbours and colleagues are celebrating the feast of DIWALI, « the festival of lights ». The festival spiritually signifies the victory of good over evil.

Ahead of the feast, people clean and decorate their homes and offices. They light up lamps and candles inside and outside their homes and they take part in family prayers to LAKSHMI, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. A family feast follows with exchange of gifts.   (Source Wikipedia)

« In Hinduism, men contemplate the divine mystery… They seek freedom from the anguish of our human condition either through ascetical practices or profound meditation, or a flight to God with love and trust. » 

(Vatican ll document on The Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, no.2)