I confess that I do not know much about Diwali. Once upon a time, mot times, I was involved in communities and areas where UI had access to stimulating, wonderful mixed cultures and I went to women’s conferences, went to women’s gatherings. Here, not so much. Not much is offered. Does not seem to be much offered in the line of multi-culturalism. But here are a few things I think I know about Diwali. I am sure there are some of you that know more and could explain more and better. The name of the celebrations began in a Sanskrit word for “row of lights”. The celebrations celebrate how light conquers darkness.
Diwali is a five-day celebration in honor of gods, Goddesses, harvests, and New Years for the Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. They also honor diversity.
The people gather visit and feast. Since it is a type of festival of lights, there are many lights, and they keep a candle, or electric candle (Diya) going for the five days and nights.
There is gift-giving, traditionally, of fruits and sweets as tokens of appreciation for people in their lives.
There are some specific rules for Diwali:
The area of “the fire” (Diya) should not be left unattended throughout the night to make sure the diya stays lit.
There should be no liquor or non-vegetarian food during this time.
There should be no gambling.
Gifts of leather, cutlery or crackers should not be given, used, or offered.
This is the time of Ganesha, an important God in the Hindu religion. He has an elephant head, human body and he symbolizes the soul and the physical. Ganesha is the patron of writers, of travellers, of students, and commerce. Ganesha removes obstacles that block endeavors. He is fond of sweets. There is a story that goes with him:
Ganesha was the son of Shiva and Parvasti, and was a brother to the god of war. Shiva created him by molding mud into a boy. While Shiva was gone, Pavarti, his mother, set him on guard while she went down to bathe. Shiva returned while she was gone and as soon as he saw the boy, he raged, so shiva called forth his gang of demons who fought with the boy. The young boy fought well and easily outwitted the demons so Vishu, one of the Gods of Creation, who had the body of a man but had four arms. He rode in on a mythical bird as he was wont to do when balance of good and evil need restoring. He took on the form of a beautiful woman, and while the boy was distracted by her beauty, and shiva dove in and chopped off Ganesha’s head. Parvati came running from her bath and she tore a strip off Shiva until he repented and Shiva ordered his men to go find a new head for the boy. Well, the first thing they found was an elephant. Shiva placed the head on the boy and he became the most distinctive of Gods for his bravery.
What this all carries meaning for me is that we have to battle our darkness’s. We have to be brave. We have to be light in other’s darkness’s sometimes.
Happy Diwali!
©Carol Desjarlais 10.24.22
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