National news
Diwali 2022
The five days of the Hindu festival, Diwali starts on Saturday and is a terrific opportunity to learn more about this significant festival and cultural event.
Diwali takes place every year to coincide with the new moon between mid-October and mid-November. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Its associated Goddess Lakshmi, symbolises wealth and prosperity, fertility and abundant crops, and good fortune. Each of the five days of celebration focuses on a different element and custom of the festival.
Saturday 22 October (Dhanteras), many Hindus clean their homes and businesses, using oil-filled lamps to provide light for the five days.
Sunday 23 October (Choti Diwali), is a time to pray for peace for loved ones past and present. It’s also when festive foods, especially sweets, are bought and made for visiting friends and relatives.
Monday 24 October (Diwali), Today is the height of the festival, with homes decorated and adorned with beautiful lights and lamps and traditionally the youngest members visit older relatives. Celebrants will sometimes wear new clothes and jewellery and fireworks provide fun for some.
Tuesday 25 October (Padwa), Husbands and wives celebrate their bond with gifts and in some customs, communities prepare food, sometimes 100 dishes, to share among themselves. In other traditions, it can be the start of the New Year, helped with the purchase of essentials and the 'good things in life'.
Wednesday 26 October (Bhai Duj), the last day of the festival celebrates the bond between siblings with prayers, meals and travelling to meet and catch up.
Celebrations
Throughout the five days of festivities, celebrations include decorating, illuminating and cleaning homes and businesses. Some celebrations include fireworks, food or gifts, which all help to create a wonderfully festive atmosphere.
Remember to lock up pets to keep them safe and comfortable and go for walks early to avoid any unnecessary frights, which might be caused by unexpected celebrations.
However you celebrate Diwali this year, remember to celebrate in style with CSSC. Whether that’s using CSSC savings for all your party treats and gifts or treating yourself to a wonderful day out to bask in the glory of nature.
