diwali

Diwali (Deepavalli) is here, the Festival of Lights celebrated by approximately a million Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across India and the Diaspora. Part of the ancient tradition has been the setting-off of fireworks as is done in other secular traditions such as Guy Fawkes and New Years Eve. The issue of fireworks has become a political issue, ostensibly around noise and air pollution and the trauma it causes animals. Oddly enough, these complaints seem targeted mainly at Hindu festivals – and funniiy enough in India probably more than the diaspora. Fortunately ,our country has the foresight to make provision for multiple cultures. There is a compromise in terms of the times of day and week that one can set off firecrackers. Please do so with some sensitivity, although you should celebrate your heritage with pride. Politely point out to any …

Dhanteras comprises two words that indicate Dhan means wealth and Teras means thirteen. The festival is based on the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, where the Goddess of wealth Maa Lakhsmi is worshipped on this day. This occasion is also known as Dhantrayodashi and it falls on the first day of five days of the festival Diwali. The day is observed as Goddess Lakshmi emerges out of the ocean during the churning of the Milk sea. The Goddess of Wealth along with the God of Wealth Lord Kubera is worshipped on the auspicious day of trayodashi during Dhanteras.  Of all plants, the sacred Tulsi is most dear to Me, of all months, Kartik is most dear to MeSri Krsna Dhanteras 2021: Significance The worship of Goddess Lakshmi on Amavasya after two days of Dhantrayodashi is considered to …

A group of women from a self-help group of in Bhopal, India are creating eco-friendly lamps from cow dung this Diwali season.

The South African Hindu Maha Sabha has offered their legal assistance to the Hindu community following cases of racism during Diwali celebrations.

Diwali varies across cultures, religions and cities. Find out about the five days of Diwali, the celebrations on each day and the stories behind them.

Deepavali or Diwali is the most celebrated and the brightest of all Hindu festivals in India which is generally observed on two different days.

Together with all South Africans, the Office of the ANC Chief Whip wishes all Hindus a joyful Diwali/Deepavali celebration.