Diwali is the Indian New Year festival. The word is Sanskrit for “row of lamps”, and this Hindu festival of lights is celebrated every autumn in the northern hemisphere. Diwali falls on Sunday 12 November this year, and here we run our eye over some of its key aspects, events and how to celebrate Diwali in Hong Kong.
What is Diwali?
Celebrated by Hindus all over the world, it is a religious festival and major event in the Hindu calendar. It marks the triumph of good over evil and, symbolically, light over darkness.
When is it celebrated and for how long?
The Hindu lunar calendar determined the date on which Diwali falls. It typically occurs sometime in the months of October and November. The celebrations last about five days.
Why is it celebrated?
There are various legends surrounding this vibrant festival. One of the most popular ones is the story of the return of Lord Rama and his wife to their North Indian Kingdom after a 14-year exile. The people joyously welcomed him with thousands of lamps.
How do you celebrate Diwali?
Similar to how lamps were lit for Lord Rama’s return, diyas (oil lamps made of clay) are placed around homes during the festivities. Devotees also clean their homes to prepare for the occasion. Doorways and entrances are often decorated with rangoli – a traditional form of floor art which consists of beautiful patterns usually made out of flour, sand, flower petals or rice. These special decorations are to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, into the home.
The day begins early on Diwali with rituals such as oil baths, putting on new clothes, heading to the temple to pray and visiting homes of friends and relatives for feasting. You can expect a mix of sweet and savoury eats and delicacies. They include mithai (South Asian sweets) such as gulab jamun and puran poli, a sweet Indian flatbread.
Where can I take part in the celebrations for Diwali in Hong Kong?
You can head to a Hindu Temple – There are temples all over the island and in Kowloon. Here are a few (click on the image to go to the map):
See more in our Things to Do section:
Best things to do in Hong Kong
Must-see temples and places of worship in Hong Kong
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