Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights is celebrated this year on
Tuesday, November 10th . Some Temples may celebrate this day on November 11th .
Diwali, (short for Deepavali, meaning 'line of lamps'), also
known as the Festival of Lights is a Hindu, Sikh, and Jain festival that
originated in India. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over
darkness. Diwali also signifies many different things to different people.
For
most Hindus, Diwali is dedicated to the Goddess of Lakshmi, the goddess of
wealth and prosperity. In Bengal, Diwali honours the goddess Kali. For Sikhs,
the festival commemorates the return of the sixth guru to the Holy city of
Amritstar after his release from detention. For the Jain community, it
commemorates the passing into Nirvana of Mahavira. It also may be the beginning
of a new year for farmers who plant their crops after Diwali, as well as for
business people and merchants who traditionally settle all accounts on this day
and begin the new financial year.
Everywhere it is celebrated, it signifies the
renewal of life. To celebrate this joyous and important festival, people get
together with friends and family, exchange gifts of sweets and greet each other
with the words 'Subh Diwali’. Some set off fireworks and wear new clothes. Many
light little clay lamps, called dipas or diyas, candles and even neon lights.
We would like to wish our families, students, staff, and members of the community at
Bayview Fairways Public School who celebrate Diwali, a happy and festive time
with friends and family.
