Spill the Lights! These Is 5 Facts about Deepavali Celebration That We Must Know
Attention, Malaysian school community! The Ministry of Education (KPM) has confirmed that selected regions will enjoy extended holidays during Deepavali. Seize this chance to celebrate with your family and friends.
In Malaysia, Deepavali is celebrated nationwide to honour Hindu traditions and to respect the Hindu community in this country. Like other festivals, Deepavali has its own unique traditions. Let the lights of the celebration brighten our knowledge!
Deepavali or Diwali Celebration is also known as the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated by the Hindus with full enthusiasm around the world to honour the glory of positive energies such as fortune and wisdom, against the negative forces such as failure and underprivileged.
It is common for Hindus to decorate their homes with lights during festivals. This tradition is a way to invite blessings from Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
Many Do Not Know, Hindu Community Celebrates 5 Days in A Row
Traditionally, Deepavali is celebrated for over five days. During this period, different rituals take place to welcome the honoured deity, Goddess Lakshmi in hope to of receiving her blessings for the upcoming year.
Eco-friendly Diyas
Classic diyas is handcrafted from natural elements such as clay or cow dung (Panchagavya diyas). Therefore, this art piece can be considered eco-friendly and biodegradable which will encourage a healthier environment.
Kolam or Rangoli?
Generally, these cultural decorative art designs are meant to welcome the visitors and an act to invite prosperity. Although these two could be seen as the same, there is a subtle difference between them.
Kolam often centred on geometric or symmetrical patterns using rice flour or coloured chalk powders. It can be found near the home entrance, not only just during festivals but dailies. While rangoli usually highlights the imaginative form in radiant colours using rice grains, floral petals and coloured powder.
Goddess Lakshmi’s Favourite
During Deepavali, most Hindus decorate their home and dress up with vibrant colours especially red and gold. It is believed that these colours would bring good luck as they symbolise wealth and power. These two colours are said to be Goddess Lakshmi’s favourite.
Go Away Evil Spirits!
To complete the Deepavali celebration, firecrackers are traditionally lit to create a joyful atmosphere. Many Hindus believed that the loud noise would ward off any evil spirits while the glowing lights will show the correct path to heaven for the ancestors.
As we celebrate the Festival of Lights, let us remember that Deepavali is more than just colourful decorations and delicious food.
It is a celebration of hope, love, and togetherness. The warm lights of Deepavali will continue to guide us toward lasting joy and strengthen the bonds that unite families and communities.
Source: @sinar_my, ellementry, Hindu Enlightenment Journey, Bhaktivedanta Manor