Diwali - The Festival of Lights

Diwali or Deepavali (deep - earthen lamps and avali - row of) is the biggest and most popular festival of Hinduism. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It is celebrated on the new moon day of the Kartik month of the Hindu lunar calendar which usually falls between mid October and Mid November.

Historically, there are many legends to the origins of Diwali. Some believe it is the celebration of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi’s birthday - the goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity. Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama from his 14 year long exile back to his kingdom Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman after vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. On their return, the kingdom of Ayodhya was illuminated with earthen lamps and festivities to welcome their lord.

In the modern day, Diwali is celebrated with a lot of pomp and show. On the day, people clean and decorate their homes, dress up in their best outfits and jewellery and prepare delicious feasts with sweets galore. Prayers and chants are performed to please goddess Lakshmi as it is believed that she’s in a benevolent and auspicious mood to bless all. Houses and streets are lined with lamps and candles to illuminate the night. Fireworks fill up the sky as an expression of respect to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, and prosperity. People exchange presents with friends and family, share extensive feasts and mingle with the whole community.

Diwali is not simply a religious festival for Hindus alone. It has crossed religious and political barriers and is celebrated in all parts of India and now the world by people of all communities. Beyond the lights, feasts, and fun, Diwali is also a time to reflect on life, self illuminate and embrace one another despite our differences . It is a unifying event, that brings people together.

The Indian Association of Cardinia and Casey (IACC) supported by the Cardinia Shire Council has been holding the all-inclusive Diwali event in Pakenham for the past 2 years with the hope of bringing the flavour and festivities of this magnificent festival to all residents of the shire.

This year’s Diwali celebration on the 10th of November 2018 promises to be bigger and better than ever before. All residents are welcomed by the IACC to embark on an enchanted journey through an awe-inspiring and vibrant program of music and dances, craft workshops, dance performances, traditional henna art, multicultural market, scrumptious Indian (and other) cuisine, and a dazzling fireworks display.