Diwali, the festival of light, is one of the most significant holidays for the Hindu, Sikhs and Jains community. The event theme is triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This year it falls on October 30 although it was celebrated on October 29 by many in the United States.
It also happened to be one of my favorite holidays growing up in Malaysia. My childhood memory of the festival begins with the clay lamps. I was mesmerized by the small clay lamps filled with oil that are lit in all Hindu households. The small clay lamps signify the triumph of good over evil, and the lights are kept on during the night. I remember asking my mom’s permission to do the same in our household. Unfortunately, I was being turned down due to fire hazard. In recent years many households switched to the electric version.
Homes are also cleaned prior to the festival to welcome the goddess of Lakshmi and the smell of food and cookies fill the entire household. Paper lanterns and incredible Rangooli (A design on the floor made from colored rice and powder) are used to decorate the household and shopping malls. Rangoli is used as a joyful way to welcome the Goddness of Wealth and Prosperity. Hindu women will adorn their beautiful saris (a traditional Hindu dress), colorful bangles and earrings and Men will wear dhoti (sarong wrapped around the waist and leg) with an oxford shirt.
The Sodexo team at Stanford Health Care would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone who celebrates the festivity a Happy Diwali! Namaste!
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| Picture of Mrs Vijayanti Prasad, Environmental Services Supervisor in a traditional Sari |
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| Sweets that are traditionlly served during Diwali |
To learn more about the festivity, please click on the following link:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/spotlight/Traditions-of-Diwali/articleshow/49673561.cms?
