Diwali (sometimes called Deepavali) has a deep religious significance to many people - but today, it’s also a cultural festival for all people regardless of faith! Billions of people around the world celebrate Diwali as the Hindu New Year, including us here in Aotearoa. To help Kiwis all over the motu celebrate the season, here are four fun facts about Diwali!
Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning “row of lights.” These lights are key to the themes of Diwali and are often shown as traditional oil lamps called ‘diyas’ that represent the power of our inner light to drive out evil.
The myths and stories behind Diwali vary according to region and religion - but they all share themes of good triumphing over evil, justice and liberation. Last year in Ōtautahi Christchurch, the Indian Social and Cultural Club organised the South Island's largest Diwali celebration in North Hagley Park, and performed one of these stories ‘Ramayan’ for the first time in the Garden City!
Diwali is widely celebrated in countries with large South Asian diasporas like Nepal, Malaysia, Fiji. According to Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, more than 120,000 attended the two-day Diwali festival in Aotea Square last year, so Aotearoa is quickly becoming a hotspot for these celebrations too!
While the festival of lights is full of illuminating displays and festivities in the streets to celebrate, whānau also take time in the season to gather together at home. At these gatherings, people will sometimes exchange gifts but mostly we eat lots of sweets and wish for goodness and prosperity in the year ahead
We love seeing how Kiwis put a unique spin on Diwali celebrations, so give it a go this year!
To help you get started, here’s a recipe for 'Coconut Ladoo', a traditional Indian sweet perfect for Diwali festivities!
