In London, the end of October is normally associated with Halloween and Guy Fawkes; bonfire celebrations. However, what many may not be aware of is that this is the month of the most important Hindu festival Diwali, also known as the festival of lights.
Approximately 20% of London has a South Asian heritage and 5% of people living in London follow Hinduism. There are many Hindu temples in London one being the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Streatham. When asked why Diwali is so popular, compared to other Hindu festivals? They stated "Diwali is so popular as it is celebrated universally across all of India. It is a time of year when everyone gets together and exchanged gifts and performs various poojas to welcome Goddess Laxmi into their homes for wealth, happiness and prosperity. All members of the family get involved and enjoy the holiday. "
When asked what traditions they practise at Diwali ? the temple responded with "At our Mandir we celebrate Diwali and Hindu New Year and it is celebrated in a big way, we hold a number of poojas like Laxmi pooja (money), Chopda pooja (accounting books) Hanuman pooja (overcome evil) and prepare a huge Ankoot offering (feast offered to God). We decorate the Mandir and hang colourful lights."
Many people may be surprised to know that Diwali is not a one-day celebration, and there are two main events known as 'big Diwali and small Diwali'. The Shree Swaminarayan Temple explained in response to whats the difference between the two and whether traditions practised also change because of this difference that "The big Diwali is reference to the time when Lord Ram returns to Ayodhya after 14 years in excile and after beating the demon, Ravana. The streets were light with oil lamps to illuminate the way! Small or ‘choti’ Diwali refers to Dev Diwali, when Lord Vishnu awakes after four months from his long sleep. This is also a period of celebration which includes the wedding of Lord Krishna to Tulsiji."
Diwali is an important Hindu festival when families and communities get together and celebrate and it is also now an iherent part of the diverse culture in London.
