Diwali - the Indian Festival of Lights.
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Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated every year in autumn in the northern hemisphere (spring in the southern hemisphere). It is an official holiday in Fiji, Guyana, India, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Trinidad, and Tobago.
One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, it spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Its celebration includes millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings in the communities and countries where it is observed.
The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five-day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the dark night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika in Bikram Sambat calendar (the month of Aippasi in Tamil Calendar), on the 15th of the month. In the Gregorian calendar, Diwali night falls between mid-October and mid-November.
Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate, and decorate their homes and offices. On Diwali night, people dress up in new clothes or their best outfits, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, participate in family puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi – the goddess of fertility and prosperity.
After puja, fireworks follow, then a family feast including mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Diwali also marks a major shopping period in nations where it is celebrated.
The name of festive days, as well as the rituals of Diwali, vary significantly among Hindus, based on the region of India. In many parts of India, the festivities start with Dhanteras (in northern and western part of India), followed by Naraka Chaturdasi on the second day, Diwali on the third day, Diwali Padva dedicated to wife–husband relationship on the fourth day, and festivities end with Bhai Dooj dedicated to sister–brother bond on the fifth day. Dhanteras usually falls eighteen days after Dussehra…
Hanoians are invited to come and celebrate Diwali - the Indian Festival of Lights at Indian Cultural Center with the following special activities, including draping of Indian Saree; henna art; lighting of Lamps; cookery Show on Indian Diwali snacks and sweets. You can enjoy photo booth to take attractive photos in traditional Indian style; Diwali items on display; Diwali entertainment and music show and Diwali snacks and soft drinks.
Let’s enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with colorful lights and festivities of Diwali. The entrance to Diwali Festival is free of charge and open to all age groups. Those interested may register online through this link: https://goo.gl/Mq6qYZ or can directly contact us on tel: 02436332083 or email: culture@indembassy.com.vn
