Central to this celebration on October 21st is the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Lakshmi Puja is a deeply revered ritual where devotees invite the goddess into their homes and hearts, seeking her blessings for material and spiritual prosperity.
Diwali marks new beginnings, the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. It coincides with harvest and the Hindu New Year celebrations. The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means a row of lights. Deep meaning light and avali meaning a row. It is the most prominent festival in India and South-East Asia, celebrated with great warmth, joy, and shining grandeur, like Christmas is celebrated in many parts of the world. Diwali falls on the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu lunar month “Kartika,” that happens between mid-October to mid-November.
Diwali is an occasion of high spiritual value and challenges us to discover the true Divine light which sparkles within all of us and sharing this glow with others. When we light candles or diyas (oil/ghee lamps), we should pray that they illuminate our energetic pathways to reveal the light within us. The festivity of lights reminds us to awaken to the maha-metta (great loving-kindness), maha-karuna (great compassion) and maha-vidya (great wisdom) which is already within us. The energies of the Inner Light need to take over the darkness of ignorance and delusion and to spread love, joy, positivity, and enthusiasm.
People start preparations days in advance of Diwali by cleaning, renovating, and decorating their homes and work place with flowers, colorful glow lights and many fancy decorations. The purpose of all this is to invite the Light energies of spiritual advancement, prosperity and wellbeing into their lives. Celebrants also perform prayer ceremonies, light oil lamps (diyas) and candles. Just like Christmas, it is a time people give gifts to family and friends. More importantly, charity and selfless giving are practiced, in line with the theme of “it is in giving that you receive.”
A thali is a complete Indian-style meal served on a large platter or plate, consisting of a variety of dishes like rice or flatbreads, lentils (dal), vegetables, curries, chutneys, yogurt, and often a sweet, offering a balanced combination of different tastes and textures. The specific dishes and preparation vary significantly by region and can include vegetarian or non-vegetarian items, providing a customizable and satisfying culinary experience. Components of a thali:
- Staple: A central portion of rice or bread (like naan or roti).
- Lentils (Dal): A cooked dish made from lentils, providing protein.
- Vegetable Dishes: A variety of vegetable curries, both dry and with gravy.
- Accompaniments: A selection of pickles, chutneys, or papadums (crispy wafers).
- Dairy: A portion of yogurt (dahi or raita) to cool the palate.
- Sweet: A small dessert dish to end the meal.
How it is served:
- The Plate: The main thali plate is often a large, round metal tray.
- Small Bowls (Katoris): Dishes are typically served in smaller round bowls called katoris or katoras.
- Regional Variations: The specific dishes and arrangement can vary significantly depending on the region of India or neighboring countries, with some thalis featuring compartments or even being served on a banana leaf.
