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Diwali is also known as the ‘Festival of Light’, with many people lighting lanterns in celebration.
Diwali is a true multi-faith and multicultural event, with the festival holding religious significance for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. However, many Indians also choose only to celebrate the cultural aspects of Diwali, which include food sharing, gift giving, dancing and song. For all it is seen as a very important time to reinforce and build family ties.
In a wider sense, the festival celebrates the victory of good over evil within, with the many lights and lanterns being lit to signify this. Symbolic lanterns, known as ‘diyas’ or ‘kandils’, are a common sight outside houses in Indian communities, such as Rusholme in Manchester, or along Belgrave Road in Leicester.
The date of the festival (in the Christian calendar) changes each year to coincide with the new moon appearing in the Hindu month of Kartik. The festival also marks the beginning of the year in some Hindu calendars.
Leicester, Manchester and London are the focus of celebrations in the UK, with London hosting its annual ‘Diwali in the Square’ spectacle in Trafalgar Square on 28th October. Thousands of British Asians and others of all faiths braved the rain for an afternoon of Indian food, music, and dancing. Thousands of mini-lanterns were lit to celebrate the beginning Golden Era of non violence and peace.
The Golden Era is said to have begun when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya from exile, and with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana defeated the demon king Ravena. The people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps along their way to mark their path through the darkness: this is why Diwali is also known as the festival of light, as its full name, Deepavali, translates as ‘rows of lamps’.
Manchester also held a similar event to London on 8th October, with a combined Dashehra Diwali Mela at Platt Fields on 8th October. The event featured a fantastic fire display, culminating in an impressive burning of a 30 foot effigy of the demon king Ravena .
Unfortunately, York is unlikely to see anything quite as spectacular as this, as York’s Indian community isn’t quite as numerous, and the university lacks an official Hindu Society. However, York does have its own Diwali celebration: York St John University hold an event once a year to mark the occasion, in partnership with the local Indian community.
Diwali is an important festival, and it’s a shame that the university doesn’t mark it with a formal event like York St John
Ketan Rajgarhia, a Hindu University of York student said: “Diwali is an important festival in the Hindu religious calendar, and it’s a shame that the university doesn’t mark it with a formal event like York St John. Being in the minority on campus isn’t always easy, and the university could do more to help raise the profile of such significant occasions.”
The York St John event is taking place on Saturday 10th November from 3:30pm at Temple Hall, York St John’s. The event will include prayer and Aarti, storytelling and a traditional Indian meal.
If you are interested in attending the York St John’s Diwali celebrations, tickets are £7.50 and can be purchased from the Indian Cultural Association on 01904 413138.
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