Let there be light!
Visiting Sri Lanka in November is guaranteed to be life-changing, especially for those of you who want to explore new cultural experiences and broaden their horizons. It is the month of Diwali, also known as Deepavali, where the country is lit with smiles, happiness, and festivity. If you find yourself in Sri Lanka during November, celebrate the victory of Light over Darkness and Good over Evil.
What is Diwali?
Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, usually lasting five days and celebrated during the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika (between mid-October and mid-November). One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”. The festival is widely associated with Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity. Another cause for celebration is that the holiday is associated with the intricate tale of Lord Rama returning home with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana after defeating King Raavana, on a path lit by lamps. Devotees also believe that the Return of the Paandavas after 12 years of Vanvas happened during the month of November.
How is Diwali Celebrated?
Diwali is the perfect opportunity to clean, renovate, decorate and turn a new leaf, for the celebrants. If you happen to be in Sri Lanka, take advantage of the festive season, and get dressed in your finest clothes and join the hindu locals in celebrating Diwali. You could observe puja, fireworks, and share traditional delicacies.
Deepams: You will notice little lamps made of earthenware everywhere you go, especially in households and kovils.
Kolam/Rangoli: The Kolam/Rangoli, is a colourful mandala pattern drawn on the floor or the doorway of one’s home using rice flour coloured with powdered dye. It is made to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi on her walks through the earth during Diwali.
Sweets: An array of sweet treats are made to celebrate the holy festival of Diwali. Try delicacies like Gulab Jamun, Laddoo, Jalebi, Halwa, Kheer and Rasgulla. The locals would be more than happy to let you join them in on the celebrations.
Diwali in 2020:
Diwali in 2020 falls on Saturday, the 14th of November and is a public holiday in Sri Lanka. Attend the festivals across the country, and celebrate with locals, to get into the spirit of Diwali. Ladies could shop for bright coloured sarees, shalwars and lehengas while male tourists could dress up in Dhoti Kurtas, to rejoice like the locals.
Photos sourced from alfonso venzuela, ondasderuido and Amila Tennakoon.
