Diwali (or Deepavali), also known as the “Festival of Lights” is the most important holiday in the Hindu calendar, as important as Christmas is to Christians.
And like Christmas here, in India, it has become as much a secular holiday as a religious one. Hindus and non-Hindus alike celebrate with family gatherings, fireworks and bonfires. They decorate with clay lamps, strings of electric lights and flowers.
It is symbolic of the victory of light over darkness, good over evil.
The devout worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, opening doors and windows to invite her into their homes.
There are five days of Diwali, the most important being the third, or Lakshmi puja, a day of prayer, feasts and fireworks.
The actual date and time for Diwali varies a bit depending on time zone. For Yorkton this year it ran from October 26 to 30, but area residents still have an opportunity to get a taste of the culture November 3.
The growing Hindu community in Yorkton is hosting a Diwali celebration at St. Mary’s Cultural Centre tomorrow at 6 p.m. All are welcome.
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