All you need to know about Diwali
It is time for the festival of lights!
Diwali starts on Sunday, 27 October.
This is a big religious event in the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists around the world.
Let's look at some interesting facts about the festival.
Date of celebration
Diwali happens on a different date each year. It normally occurs between October and November, from the 20th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day of the light half of Karttika.
It is a significant festival because it marks the beginning of the new year in the Vikrama calendar.
The celebration lasts five days.
Name
The other name for the festival is Deepavali or Devali. The name simply means 'a row of lights'.
Significance
The Diwali festival marks the beginning of the new year according to the Vikrama calendar. Lights are lit to invite Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth, into people's lives. These lights are placed on the streets and in houses in order to show Lakshmi the way into the house.
Another significance of the festival is that it symbolises light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil.
Like many other festivals and celebrations, food plays a huge role. During this time, families and friends meet to celebrate and indulge in delicious meals.
Why not impress your guests with these yummy Diwali recipes from food
blogger Landi Govender...
Hazelnut Melting Moments
Raspberry and Pomegranate Coconut Ice Truffles
Image courtesy of iStock/ phive2015
READ: India's top court bans firecracker sales before Diwali