🪔Happy Diwali 🎇

Welcome back to another edition of "Canada Connect". For this month, we decided to select a different topic than our usual ones. As one of the most important festivals celebrated in India is around the corner, we would like to share some unknown but interesting facts about Diwali.

Every year, we celebrate Diwali by lighting up diyas, bursting firecrackers, decorating our houses with lights and most important of all, visiting friends and family. But did you know that each state and culture in India have their unique ways of celebrating Diwali and even different reasons for celebrating the festival? Let’s dive into today’s newsletter to explore how different states celebrate Diwali. Read on👇🏼

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by various religious and cultural communities in India. While the central theme of the triumph of light over darkness is universal, different regions and communities may have their own interpretations and cultural significance of Diwali.

The specific stories and cultural traditions associated with the festival vary from region to region and among different religious communities. The variations add to the richness of India's cultural diversity and make Diwali a vibrant and inclusive celebration.
Let’s take a few examples from some of the states:

North and West India

Punjab:

• Cultural Significance: In Punjab, Diwali is celebrated as "Bandi Chhor Divas," which coincides with the release of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, from imprisonment. This day is significant as it represents the release of not only the Guru but also 52 other Hindu kings who were held in Gwalior Fort along with him.

• Celebrations: Sikhs and many people in Punjab light up their homes and gurdwaras with lamps and candles. Special kirtans and prayers are held, and the Golden Temple in Amritsar is illuminated beautifully. Fireworks are also a part of the celebration.

Gujarat:

• Cultural Significance: In Gujarat, Diwali is celebrated as the beginning of the new year. It marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. People clean their homes, create intricate rangoli, and light oil lamps to welcome Lord Krishna.

• Celebrations: The festival is marked by grand celebrations and cultural events. Communities come together for Garba and Dandiya Raas. Special sweets and snacks, such as fafda, jalebi, and dhokla, (thumbs up for these delicacies 😋) are prepared and shared.

Maharashtra:

• Cultural Significance: In Maharashtra, Diwali is associated with Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.

• Celebrations: The preparation for Diwali begins with cleaning and decorating homes. In the evening, people worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. The exchange of gifts, especially utensils and jewelry, is a common tradition. In some regions, families engage in cultural activities like staging plays from the epic Ramayana.

South India

Kerala:

• Cultural Significance: In Kerala, Diwali is celebrated in a quieter tone, focusing on the triumph of light and good over darkness.

• Celebrations: People light lamps and offer prayers. The wearing of new clothes and temple visits are customary. While there are not a lot of fireworks involved, the celebrations are centered around family and devotion.

East India

West Bengal and Odisha:

• Cultural Significance: Diwali in Eastern India, particularly in West Bengal and parts of Odisha, coincides with Kali Puja, a festival dedicated to the goddess Kali. Kali is revered for her fierce yet protective qualities. This time marks the worship of the goddess and the triumph of light over darkness.

• Celebrations: Kali Puja takes centre stage with elaborate rituals and prayers. The lighting of oil lamps and fireworks is a part of the celebration, although not as extensive as in some other regions. Sweets and snacks, such as sandesh and rosogolla, are prepared and shared. Families also create colorful rangoli designs, known as "alpana" in Bengali, at their doorsteps.

Don't miss the opportunity to be part of our grand Diwali celebration and get-together! Immerse yourself in the warmth and joy of the Festival of Lights with your fellow students and friends. Enjoy a vibrant evening filled with cultural performances, traditional Indian cuisine, music, and dance. This is a chance to make lasting memories and connect with the community as we celebrate Diwali together. Get your tickets now and secure your spot at this unforgettable event. Share the spirit of Diwali with us - it's a celebration you won't want to miss! Click here: Get your tickets today

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