Worshippers at the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Oldham and communities across the borough are coming together to celebrate Diwali.
Diwali is a five-day “Festival of Lights” that is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains across the globe.
The annual event, which coincides with harvest and new year festivities, is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and happiness over sadness.
During the festival family and friends come together with gifts and blessings to mark the end of one year and the start of another.
Celebrations around the world will span several days and include the festivals of Dhanteras, Hanuman Poojan/Kali Chaudas, Laxmi Poojan, Diwali, Ankoot and Bhai Beej.
Today (Sunday) Kali Chaudas, which marks Kali’s killing of the demon Narakasura, will be observed. This festival is dedicated to the worship of the monkey demi-god Hanuman and will see coconuts and sweet treats made with sesame seeds shared at home and in the Shree Swaminarayan Temple.
The Diwali celebrations will continue on Monday – the day of Diwali – with the Laxmi Poojan ceremony.
The name Diwali derives from the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali’ which means row of lights. Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Laxman on Diwali after being exiled for a 14-year period and his triumphant return was marked by the people of Ayodhya lighting lamps.
During the Laxmi Poojan celebration, prayers are offered to the goddess of wealth, Laxshmi, to bring worshippers great prosperity in the coming year.
On Tuesday, fireworks will be lit all around the world to mark the end of the Vikram Samvat year.
At Shree Swaminarayan, fireworks will start at around 8pm.
The following day, the new year is celebrated with Ankoot. Translated as ‘grand offering to God,’ it is a day of celebrations, with prepared food offered up and served.
Away from the temple, Diwali ends with Bhai Beej, when sisters invite their brothers to their homes to join them for a meal to show appreciation, love, and gratitude for the help they receive from them throughout the year.
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