Diwali which is also known as Deepawali (deep in Hindi means earthen lamp) is the most prominent Hindu festival. It marks the homecoming of their deities – Rama, his wife Sita and Rama’s brother Laxman – after an exile of 14 years to Ayodhaya.
The Hindu temple in Leeds witnessed good footfall throughout the day as devotees visited to seek the gods’ blessings. Neha went to the temple in the evening hours and could barely manage to pray for more than a few minutes as people were in the queue for darshan (to see the face of the deity). She told me:
“At the temple, I didn’t feel like I was in Leeds it felt like India. I was happy to greet so many unknown Indians too, besides friends.”
Five days of festivities
The five-day festivities commenced with Dhanteras which was celebrated on 10 November. Dhan in Hindi means money. On this day, people usually buy gold/silver jewellery, or other things such as utensils, electronics, automobiles, etc. It’s considered that this day brings luck when something is bought and money multiplies.
The next day is celebrated as ‘Roop Chaudas’ and it’s a day dedicated to focusing on beautifying oneself. Women mostly opt for a beauty routine at home or visit a beauty parlour as they prepare for Diwali.
This is followed by Diwali which was celebrated on Sunday. Thereafter, people observe ‘Govardhan Puja’ which symbolises the victory of their Lord Krishna’s victory over Indra Dev. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna had the Govardhan mountain on his little finger in order to shelter the people from torrential rains.
The festivities end with ‘Bhai Dooj’. While bhai means brother, ‘Dooj’ means the second day after the full moon. On this day, the bond between a brother and a sister is celebrated as brothers often visit their sister’s home for lunch/dinner.
Diwali delicacies
On Diwali, a lot of savouries and sweets are prepared at home or at times bought. While the Indian families residing in Leeds prepared it at home, some bought it from online sellers whereas many international students had it sent from home.
Delicacies included: Chivda, a savoury made of flattened rice flakes and dry fruits; chakli, spiral-shaped deep-fried snack; Mathari, a slightly spicy, salty cookie-looking snack; Namak pare, a crispy salty deep-fried snack.
Seema and her friends prepared some Shakkar pare-diamond shaped deep fried sweets. Karanji/Gujia is a deep fried sweet with a filling of dry fruits, grated coconut, and jaggery. Nankhatai-an Indian shortbread cookie.
Besides offering savouries to the visitors, traditionally, the majority of the Indian households also exchange plates wherein they give the savouries made at home to their neighbours on a decorated plate.
Shree said: “My mother had parceled lots of Diwali savouries and sweets as they last for a couple of months. I took it to my friend’s place. Some of my friends also got some delicacies from their homes and we relished it together.”
Diwali decor
Besides decorating the house with diyas (earthen lamps) and lightings, rangoli (a drawing made with colours on the floor) is a must-have part of the Diwali decorations. Many houses had a variety of beautiful designs on display. Those who couldn’t use the floor managed to get colours in their homes including making a design with flower petals and leaves.
Yashvi said: “I couldn’t find diyas so I bought some fairy lights to decorate my room. I also made use of different coloured leaves for rangoli and it turned out more beautiful than I thought.”
The majority of the Indians dressed up in traditional outfits as they celebrated the festival with friends and acquaintances.
Rain washed away some plans
Rain dampened all plans of bursting firecrackers for many on Sunday evening. Shubham said: “Bursting firecrackers on Diwali is one of my favorite things to do. But the rain ruined all my plans. After some failed attempts I decided to keep it for later.”
While those who had already burst crackers on the eve of Diwali were happy with the decision they took.
Celebration regardless of religion
Despite being a Hindu festival, in India it’s celebrated by people of other faiths too. It wasn’t any different for Indians in Leeds. Even after moving to Leeds from India a couple of years ago, Sonam Sheikh has continued her practice of celebrating almost every Indian festival with her friends. She said: “We come from a secular country and while I ensure I go to their place for Diwali, they come to mine on Eid. The celebration with friends included some quality time together, and delicious Indian cuisine.”
Many international students who were celebrating it with their friends also invited friends from different countries including locals.
