Diwali 2021

Households, shops and public places are decorated with earthenware oil lamps called Diyas and very much like Christmas celebrations, Diwali is also a time for family and friends to exchange gifts and to spend time together.  

Ria, a local resident, reflects on the celebrations in her household and what Diwali means to her and her family.

Celebrating the Festival of Lights - by Ria Ganguly

Celebration. Prosperity. Togetherness. Illumination. These words come into my mind when I think of Diwali.

Since childhood, celebrating Diwali has been an integral part of my family life. The alluring thing about Diwali is that it brings positivity, hope, excitement.

Diwali is one of the biggest Indian festivals, celebrated with great zeal and zest across the globe. It brings everyone together. Diwali is also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’; a celebration of light over darkness. It’s a celebration of peace and harmony. 

After relocating to London, I realised that every place celebrates Diwali differently.

As a family of three: me, my husband and my daughter start our preparations by cleaning the house before Diwali and then decorating. I normally go to Tooting along with my daughter to buy clothes, gifts and sweet hampers. 

On the day of Diwali, I create Rangoli patterns on our porch, which is considered to be very auspicious. I prepare homemade sweets and traditional delicacies and offer them to Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi. We wear our new traditional clothes, and once the house is illuminated with colourful lights and diyas it’s a blissful visual delight; a sight to behold!

As a part of our tradition, we exchange gifts and sweets with family and friends. The celebration starts with a family prayer followed by playing games with friends, bursting crackers and finally calling it a night with a grand feast.

Another exciting thing about Diwali is witnessing the fireworks transforming the night sky into a bright and dazzling canvas. Diwali is more than just a festival, it’s a joyous occasion.

For me, Diwali is a celebration of all goodness in life.