Diwali, the most important Hindu festival of the year, is upon us. Although officially kicking off on Wednesday, the occasion lasts a week, so fortunately, the excitement will last a little longer. For Hindus across Bromley, there is no time to waste to celebrate this auspicious occasion with friends and family. Beautiful clothes are being worn, ornate lamps are being lit and vibrant fireworks are being set off, as I saw when I joined my friend, Prerana Bhandari, throwing a party for the event.

So, Prerana, how are you celebrating Diwali this year?

My family and I have made patterns on the tiles outside the house with rangoli (coloured powder) and lit up lots of divas (small lamps) around the house and garden. And we’re going to parties every day, which is great.

What is your routine each day of this holy week?

I’ve woken up early each day, had a long bath, covered myself with fragranced oil and washed my hair – just making sure I’m absolutely clean, really. Then I put on nice, new clothes. We’re supposed to be making ourselves presentable to the gods at such a holy time. Next we open presents from practically everyone we know.

What is your favourite part of Diwali?

Being brought together as a family and getting to meet and have fun with all of my friends. Then there’s the food – delicious sweet and savoury snacks that are just irresistible!

How is celebrating in Bromley different to India, where you grew up?

There’s a lot more freedom in India because safety's a lot more relaxed. We could have bigger, more exciting fireworks and the whole community used to take part in the fun. Getting days off school to do all of this was fantastic too. There are quite a few Hindus in Bromley, though, so it’s still special for a lot of people.

Thank you, Prerana. Enjoy the rest of this exciting week.

 

Translating as ‘a row of lights’, Diwali for Hindus is the equivalent of Christmas for Christians. A metaphor symbolising good over evil, ‘divas’ (small lamps) are placed around each home. They are a reminder that in the darkest moments of our lives, we must strive to find happiness, not just for ourselves, but for those we care about most in the world. This is particularly poignant when the divas are placed on the windowsill, lighting up the dark October evenings as winter creeps in.

 

Raveena Rao, Bromley High School