November 23, 2020
People celebrate a variety of holidays during this time of year. Recently, TriHealth Asian Indian physicians and team members celebrated one of their most important annual festivals, Diwali.
Diwali is a festival of lights celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists across the world. The festival is a celebration of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness. Diwali celebrations include gathering with family, sharing meals and sweets, watching fireworks, decorating with colored sand and visiting temples. As part of the celebration, houses, shops and public places are decorated with small oil lamps called diyas.
When is Diwali?
This year Diwali began on Thursday, November 12 and the main day of celebrations took place on Saturday, November 14. The festival usually takes place over five days in October or November.
What is the origin of the festival?
Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists from different regions of India associate different historical events and stories with Diwali. The festival is often associated with Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity and many believe that during Diwali she will visit their homes if they are illuminated, clean and beautifully decorated. Hindus also celebrate the return of deities Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile, as well as the destruction of the demon Mahisha by Mother Goddess Durga. Sikhs celebrate the release from prison of the sixth guru Hargobind Singh. Jains celebrate the moment Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, reached nirvana.
How was Diwali celebrated this year?
Diwali was celebrated in some new ways this year due to restrictions on travel and mass gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic. Some chose to connect virtually with loved ones in order to continue the tradition of gathering with family, with some getting dressed up like normal and connecting virtually to do prayers, light diyas and cook together. This year Diwali continued to offer millions of people the opportunity to celebrate new beginnings and the triumph of light over darkness.
Many holidays are celebrated this time of year and more information about other holidays will be shared in an upcoming Mission Monday communication.
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very interesting article
Posted by: Cheryl Mcintyre on November 27, 2020
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Thank you for sharing other holidays with us. I enjoy learning about other celebrations.
Posted by: Donna Mueller on November 25, 2020
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I live at Twin Fountains in Mason which has a large Indian population. I just moved there in summer. It was so fun to see the homes and trees hung with fairy lights. Happy Diwali to all. :-)
Posted by: Linda Chatterjee on November 25, 2020
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Thanks for this little lesson, t's always good to be diverse with knowledge surrounding celebrations in other cultures.
Posted by: Micaiah Yhisrael on November 24, 2020
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