Diwali: More Than Just Fireworks and Sweets, Say Londoners from Four Faiths

Diwali encompasses more than merely setting off fireworks, consuming Indian sweets, and illuminating divas. This event is observed by four distinct religions, each commemorating the occasion for unique reasons. Hindus and Jains mark Diwali on 31 October, Sikhs on 1 November, and Buddhists on 15 November. Individuals from each of these faiths residing in London have conveyed to the BBC their personal understanding of Diwali. Vedika Apte, a 23-year-old medical student from west London, stated, “It’s honestly one of my favourite times of the year.” She spent the preceding days preparing ladoos, which are round Indian sweets, alongside her mother. “We’re still going to be eating them in two weeks,” she remarked, indicating this is merely the beginning of the celebrations. Vedika clarified that Hindu communities throughout India observe Diwali in various ways, and she adheres to the Marathi tradition. Beyond gathering with friends and family, dancing, and lighting candles, Vedika perceives this period as a “reminder to be grateful for everything that’s around you and to God as well.” She emphasized, “It’s not all just fireworks,” elaborating that on Dhanteras, the initial day of the five-day festival, individuals purchase gold and metals, a practice believed to attract wealth and luck into their residences. On the second day, known as Narka Chaturdashi, Vedika’s family dedicates the morning to washing with oils and sandalwood powder, a ritual that, according to tradition, “prepares the body for the winter months.” Her family additionally cleans and organizes their home in anticipation of welcoming Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, on the subsequent day. The third day involves Hindus lighting divas and fireworks, alongside offering prayers “for blessings, wealth, prosperity for the family, the greater world, and the greater good.” The fourth day is designated as the “husband and wife day,” during which the “wife prays for the husband’s long life and gets a present in return.” On the concluding day, “sisters pray for their brothers and in return the brother gives a gift and promises to look after” their sibling. Dev, a 19-year-old Jain from north London, described Diwali as primarily focused on spiritual growth and becoming “in tune with yourself.” For followers of Jainism, this two-day observance commemorates the moment when Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, attained Moksha, or eternal bliss. Dev stated, “Diwali is not celebrated as eating, drinking, partying. It’s more focusing on yourself, your own soul, your own actions. It’s a time of reflection and introspection.” During this period, Dev also observes a fast “to cleanse the body and get rid of toxins in preparation for the prayers and rituals.” He explained that this practice aids in “attain liberation” and breaking the cycle of reincarnation. He added, “We do not use firecrackers because they can hurt the jeev [soul] in the atmosphere,” opting instead to light divas. Beant Dhillion, a trainee solicitor from east London, recalled, “I used to go to my bibi’s [grandmother’s] house and help make fresh samosas, spring rolls and gulab jamuns.” He now states his focus for Diwali is to “properly reflect on the teachings and the message behind why we celebrate every year.” The Sikh festival, known as Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorates the release of the sixth guru, Hargobind Sahib, along with 52 Hindu princes, following their wrongful imprisonment in 1619. “It speaks to that revolutionary aspect of Sikhism, and is about good over evil,” the text states. Venerable Phramaha Bhatsakorn Piyobhaso, a Thai Buddhist residing in south-west London, observes Loy Krathong, a celebration dedicated to honoring the water goddess, Phra Mae Khongkha. During the colder winter months, Venerable states that the festival encourages individuals “to reflect that we are able to survive.” He remarked, “It’s time to celebrate, show appreciation to nature and ask for forgiveness,” further noting that this period is particularly significant for individuals to “apply the Buddhist teaching in our life.” Certain Buddhists commemorate by crafting krathongs, typically fashioned from banana leaves into a boat shape. Offerings, including candles and incense sticks, are placed within them, and they are then set afloat on rivers to honor the Buddha’s footprint and his earthly presence. Following this, the afternoon is dedicated to eating, dancing, singing, and presenting cultural performances. This celebration occurs on the full moon of the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar, which falls on 15 November. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.ukCopyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.