The biggest festival for Hindus is coming up and the East Indian community in Weyburn is ready to celebrate. The Indian festival, "Diwali" is being celebrated on Friday, Nov. 9, in the McKenna Auditorium at 6 p.m.
The biggest festival for Hindus is coming up and the East Indian community in Weyburn is ready to celebrate.
The Indian festival, "Diwali" is being celebrated on Friday, Nov. 9, in the McKenna Auditorium at 6 p.m. There will be a supper, cocktails, an Indian DJ, a Bollywood dance, raffles, games and music. Tickets are $30.
Diwali is traditionally a five-day Indian festival. One after another, Hindus celebrate five ceremonious occasions. Diwali is celebrated with lights, crackers, cleanliness, colourful rangoli making and gathering together to exchange greetings and share sweets with your loved ones.
During the Diwali festival Hindu gods are worshiped; the goddess of Lakshmi, the Lord of Ganesha, Ma Kali, Lord Chitragupta and Govardhan Parvat.
The first day of the festival begins with "Dhan Trayodashi' or Dhanteras. On Dhanteras, the "Owl" form of goddess Lakshmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being.
The second day of Diwali is Narak Chaturdashi. It's the day for the worship of Maha-Kali or Shakti and it's believed that on this day Kali killed the wickedest Narakasura. Also referred to as Narak-Chaturdashi, it's the day to abolish laziness and evil which create hell in our life.
The third day of Diwali is called "Badi Diwali" and is the main day of celebrations. Houses are decorated by the people with lamps and lights. Children shoot fire crackers with excitement. Wearing new clothes, distribution of sweets and giving gifts to loved ones is a custom.
It's a belief that by worshiping Lakshmi-Ganesh with enthusiasm, and lighting the lamps on this day, that the whole upcoming year will go forward full of happiness and prosperity.
The fourth day of Diwali is devoted to worshiping the Lord Govardhan Parvat.
The fifth and final day is called Bhai Dooj, it's the time to honour the brother-sister relationship.
This is the second festival of the fall. On Oct. 13 the East Indian Gujarati Community celebrated the Navratri Festival.
For more information about the upcoming Diwali festival, contact Ashvin Patel or Mantript Sidhu.
