THE FEStival of lights
Diwali
In 2024 we will observe and celebrate the festival of Diwali on November 1st. Diwali originates from the Sanskrit word “Dipavali,” meaning a row of lights, hence you may find our workplace Diwali event poster denoting to that name.
Diwali is a grand scale of a celebration as Christmas and symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness or good over evil. On the night of the new moon, Diya’s which are small earthenware clay lamps, are lit to welcome the presence of Lakshmi who is the goddess of wealth. Diya’s are commonly gifted and lit around the household to attract enlightenment, prosperity, knowledge, and wisdom in the home for the new year.
A very common practice is to decorate the floors of homes with rangoli’s – this is an intricate design of florals, messages and swastikas made from coloured powders, rice, sand and or flower petals. Diwali is a unique festival since it also joins with the holiday of Dussehra – the last day of Navratri. This holiday portrays the theme of good over evil through religious tales such as the homecoming of lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman to the city of Ayodhya after their defeat of Ravana, a 10 headed demon king. Alternatively, in South India the festival marks lord Krishna’s defeat of a demon called Narakasura.
One of my most memorable experiences during Diwali have been maintaining the rangoli traditions, fireworks and making Indian sweets at home, such as Peda’s, Gulab jamun, and barfi’s.
We will be sharing these flavourful sweets, filled with pistachio, almonds, and milk, on October 29th in our office lunchrooms.
I still remember a few years ago when I had first began learning how to work with Rangoli powders; training my hands to delicately place the colours to create a pattern. Each year, my sister and I sit on the eve of Diwali in our home and design a coloured pattern with the feet of Lakshmi at the tip of the rangoli.
Please enjoy these memories from the past Diwali’s I have spent with my family!
Wishing you all a very happy Diwali!
Shubh Diwali ~
Local 541 celebrates Diwali
FREE Upcoming Diwali Events
Gerrard India Bazaar BIA: Diwali Mela
When: October 26, 2024, 6:00-10:00pm
Where: 1432 Gerrard Street East (at Ashdale Ave.), Toronto
Web: Family Fun Toronto
Gerrard India Bazaar BIA: Diwali Mela
When: October 26-27, 2024, 12:00-10:00pm
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. West, Toronto
Web: Eventbrite
Youth for Change North York Diwali Fest
When: October 19, 2024, 11:00am – October 20, 2024, 10:00pm
Where: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge Street, Toronto
Web: Eventbrite