Cultural Conversations: Diwali

Diwali is an auspicious Hindu festival also known as “The Festival of Lights.” It is celebrated in honour of the return of Lord Rama’s return from exile after defeating Ravana. We are honoured to share our Diwali celebrations in Singapore as a Gujarati family living in Singapore for the last 15 years. Even as we celebrate, we remember our loved ones this Diwali – we miss our friends and family back in India. In preparation for the festival, we deep clean our houses and take time to go to Little India in Singapore to shop, cook traditional Diwali snacks and light up our houses with Diya (oil lamps symbolising prosperity in the new year). We try to celebrate Diwali as traditionally as possible, just like when we were back in India!

Diwali is celebrated over five days, with special significance for each day of these five days:

• Day 1 is known as “Dhanteras,” also known as the day of the “Goddess of Wealth.” We celebrate this day by drawing the feet of Goddess Laxmi with vermillion at the entrance of our houses to welcome Goddess Laxmi with her gold and money! On this day, we wear yellow because it is her favourite colour.
   
• Day 2 is known as “Kali Chaudas,” also known as the day of Goddess Kali. She bestows strength to her devotees to fight evil forces. On this day, we celebrate to remove the darkness of evil forces by lighting up as many Diyas, firecrackers and sparklers as possible. This day specifically, I cook Dahi Vada (vadas served with curd and delicious chutneys). Yum!
   
• Day 3 is Diwali. On this day, we make Rangoli and flower garlands to decorate the house - ready to welcome the new year, Day 4.
   
• Day 4 is the New Year, also known as “Bestu Varas” in our Gujarati community. We wake and prepare the house with Diyas, seeking the blessings of our elders and welcoming guests over with sweet treats! This day is important for us – we stay happy and positive as we believe that whatever we do on New Year’s Day will stay with us in the upcoming year.
   
• Day 5 is known as “Bhai Dooj,” celebrating the unconditional bond of love between a brother and sister. I make my brother delicious home-cooked food, and in return, he gives me gifts (my favourite part)!

When I think about why I should celebrate Diwali traditionally, I look to my daughter and feel proud and happy that she is well-learnt and respectful of the real meanings and celebrations of Diwali. Our goal is always to keep our loved ones close to our hearts and continue the traditions for the generations to come. Happy Diwali to all!