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Diwali Diwali
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OUR TEAM
Meaning and purpose
Prayer
"Om"
"Lead me from the unreal to the real."
"Lead me from darkness to light."
"Lead me from death to immortality."
"Om peace, peace, peace."
The mantra is a profound appeal for spiritual awakening and liberation, representing a seeker's journey toward truth and divine reality.
From unreality to reality: The prayer asks to be led away from asat, or the impermanent and false nature of the material world, toward sat, the eternal, unchanging, and divine truth.
From death to immortality:
The final request is to transcend the cycle of mortality and move toward the knowledge of the eternal, immortal self. This is not about the body's physical immortality, but the soul's timeless and infinite nature.
From darkness to light: This line symbolizes the journey from ignorance and confusion (tamas) toward spiritual knowledge and inner clarity (jyoti). It is a plea for higher wisdom and a removal of intellectual and spiritual blindness.
Peace: The concluding "Om peace, peace, peace" is added for the welfare of all beings on a universal scale.
Hari OmTatsat
The Eternal Light of Diwali
For countless centuries, the sacred festival of Diwali has illuminated the hearts and homes of devotees across the world. As twilight descends, the soft glow of clay lamps — diyas — dances upon doorsteps and windowsills, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and love over fear.
We remember with reverence the return of Bhagavan Sri Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile, His triumph over the forces of adharma heralded by a sky ablaze with lamps of joy. One can almost hear the jubilant cries of the people, their hearts overflowing with devotion as they welcomed their beloved Lord home.
Yet Diwali is more than the commemoration of a divine homecoming. It is a reminder — gentle yet profound — that the same light which once guided Sri Rama’s path dwells within each of us. It calls upon us to dispel the shadows of anger, greed, and despair, and to let compassion, truth, and righteousness shine forth.
As homes fill with bhajans, laughter, and the aroma of sweet delights, we honour a timeless tradition — one that connects us to our ancestors, to the eternal rhythm of the cosmos, and to the Divine Light itself. We remember Goddess Lakshmi, who graces us with abundance and peace; Lord Ganesha, who blesses new beginnings; and Maa Kali, whose fierce compassion clears the path for renewal.
In every lamp we kindle, may we see a spark of the Divine — a reminder that even the smallest flame can chase away great darkness. May this Diwali bring peace to your heart, prosperity to your home, and divine light to your soul.
Let us celebrate not merely with lamps and sweets, but with hearts alight in gratitude and love.
Shubh Deepavali — may your light shine ever bright.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most radiant and joyful festivals celebrated globally. The name itself, a poetic fusion of the Sanskrit words dīpa (lamp) and avali (row), translates to "a row of lights." This tradition of illuminating homes with flickering oil lamps (diyas) has been practiced for centuries, a beautiful ritual to dispel the spiritual and physical darkness and usher in light and positivity.
More than just a dazzling spectacle, the festival is a deepseated tradition of renewal and joy.
Weeks before the festivities begin, families cleanse and redecorate their homes, adorn their thresholds with intricate rangoli (colorful floor designs), and decorate with flowers. In an atmosphere buzzing with excitement, new clothes are worn, special sweets (mithai) are prepared, and shared lovingly with neighbors and friends. While the vibrant customs bring color and sparkle to the world outside, the tradition carries a profound, inner message: that just as light conquers darkness, human life must be guided by the virtues of truth, kindness, and wisdom. This rich tapestry of joyful traditions and meaningful values is what makes Diwali a timeless celebration.
Beyond rituals, Diwali is a time of togetherness, reflection, and joy. The atmosphere of lights, laughter, and generosity turns each home into a beacon of hope.
Spiritual & Cultural Significance
What makes Diwali so special?
Diwali's enduring appeal lies in its rich spiritual and cultural tapestry, offering different layers of meaning to various communities. It is far more than just a visual spectacle; it is a time for inner renewal and celebrating life's eternal truths.
For Hindus:
The most widely celebrated story is the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana and completing a 14-year exile. The people of Ayodhya lit countless clay lamps (diyas) to light his path home and celebrate the victory of righteousness (dharma). In other parts of India, stories commemorate Lord Krishna's defeat of the demon Narakasura, while in western India, the festival marks Lord Vishnu's triumph over the demon King Bali.
The Values of Diwali
For Jains:
Diwali marks the spiritual awakening, or nirvana, of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara.
For Sikhs:
The festival is known as Bandi Chhor Divas, or the "Day of Liberation".
Light over Darkness: choosing knowledge, virtue, and clarity. Good over Evil: moral courage in everyday life.
Sharing & Unity: strengthening bonds with family, friends, and community.
Hope & Renewal: leaving behind the past and embracing a brighter path forward.
Practices and Observance
When is Diwali?
Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar and falls in the month of Kartika (October–November). It is usually observed over five days, with the third day being the main festival of lights.
How People Celebrate
Decorating homes with diyas, candles, lanterns, and rangoli. Wearing festive clothing and exchanging gifts.
Preparing and sharing special dishes and sweets. Visiting temples and performing prayers. Lighting fireworks or enjoying cultural programs.
The Five Days of Diwali
1.Dhanteras –buying new items, especially metals, for prosperity.
2. Naraka Chaturdashi –remembering the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura.
4.Govardhan Puja/Annakut –offering food in gratitude, recalling Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill.
3.Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) –lighting diyas, worshipping Lakshmi & Ganesha, and celebrating with fireworks and sweets.
5.Bhai Dooj – celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
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Simple Diwali Ritual Guide
1. Purify & Prepare
Clean the home and decorate with rangoli, flowers, and torans.
2. Light the Lamps
Set up a sacred space with idols/pictures of Lakshmi & Ganesha.
Place diyas (lamps) around the house and altar. Symbol of light removing darkness.
Simple Diwali Ritual Guide
3. Sankalpa (Intention)
Sit with family before the altar/havan kund. Mentally state your prayer for health, peace, and prosperity.
Sankalpa
4. Invoke the Divine Light incense and a ghee lamp.
Here is a short, simple sankalp you can use: "Oṃ, I, [your name], perform this sacred havan on the auspicious occasion of Diwali to honor Devi Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. I give thanks, and ask for their blessing upon all"
Chant: “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” (3 times) to Lord Ganesha.
Chant: “Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah” (3 times) to Goddess Lakshmi.
Simple Diwali Ritual Guide
5.
Havan Setup
Place a small havan kund (fire pot) with dry wood or camphor.
Offer ghee drops with a spoon as the fire is kindled.
6. Havan Mantras
With each offering (ahuti), chant:
“Om Agnaye Swaha” (offer ghee/wood to Agni – the sacred fire).
“Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Swaha” (offerings to Lakshmi Devi).
“Om Namah Shivaya Swaha” (offerings to Lord Shiva for purification).
Repeat each mantra a few times as you add offerings.
Ghee
Simple Diwali Ritual Guide
7. Aarti & Closing
Perform aarti with a lit diya or camphor.
Sing a short hymn or recite:
“Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah
Sarve bhadrāṇi paśyantu
Mā kaścid duḥkha
bhāgbhavet
8. Share & Celebrate
Distribute prasad (sweets).
Light more diyas outdoors.
Share joy with family, friends, and neighbours.
Did you know ?
The Padma Purana on Lamps
The Padma Purana states that lighting a lamp on Diwali night pleases not only Lakshmi but also Yama, the god of death, protecting families from untimely misfortune.
Lakshmi’s Birth from the Ocean
According to the Vishnu Purana, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan). Diwali honours her as the harbinger of wealth, fortune, and auspiciousness.
Krishna and Narakasura
The Bhagavata Purana narrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, who had imprisoned thousands. The day before Diwali, Naraka Chaturdashi, celebrates this liberation. Mahavira’s Moksha in Jain Agamas.
King Bali and Vamana Avatar
Some traditions, based on the Bhagavata Purana, link Diwali with King Bali’s surrender to Lord Vamana (Vishnu’s dwarf incarnation). This highlights humility, devotion, and the restoration of cosmic balance.
Annakut Offering in Vaishnava Tradition
The day after Diwali, as described in Vaishnava scriptures, devotees prepare 56 varieties of food (Chappan Bhog) as an offering to Krishna, symbolising gratitude for divine protection.
Question 1: The word "Diwali" is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali. What does this mean?
Question 2: Which three religions most famously celebrate Diwali, though its traditions differ for each?
Question 3: For Hindus in Northern India, Diwali celebrates the homecoming of which heroic figure to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile?
Question 4: In Jainism, Diwali commemorates the final liberation and nirvana of which important figure?
Question 5: What is the primary symbolic meaning of the lighting of diyas and candles during Diwali?
Question 6: Which Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity is the main deity worshipped during the primary night of Diwali?
Question 7: What is the traditional name for the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, which involves cleaning and buying new items?
Question 8: The second day of Diwali, also known as Chhoti Diwali, commemorates which deity's defeat of the demon Narakasura?
Question 9: What are the colorful, intricate patterns created on the floor using colored powders, flowers, or rice during Diwali?
Question 10: Besides Lakshmi, which other deity is commonly worshipped alongside her during the main Diwali puja as the remover of obstacles?
Question 11: What is the name of the final day of the festival, which celebrates the bond between a brother and a sister?
Lets Play Lets Play
Goback
Goback
MissTurn START
Required: Dice Rules: Two or more players. Role dice 6 to start, thereafter follow the board instructions First person to reach the “Finish” is the winner.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups Klim milk powder (full cream)
½ cup fresh cream (use thick cream, not whipped)
½ cup icing sugar (sifted)
1 tsp vanilla essence
Desiccated coconut for rolling
METHOD
1.Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine Klim and icing sugar.
2.Add wet ingredients: Pour in the cream and vanilla essence.
3.Combine: Mix well using a spoon, then knead gently with your hands until a soft, smooth dough forms.
4.If too soft → add a little more Klim.
5.If too dry → drizzle a tiny bit more cream.
6.Shape: Roll into small balls.
7.Coat: Roll each one in desiccated coconut.
8.Set: Let them firm up for about 30–45 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
For a richer flavour, add 1 Tbsp melted butter. You can mix in a pinch of cardamom or a few drops of rose essence for a traditional touch.
Roll in crushed pistachio or coconut + a dash of pink colouring for festive vibes.
