Light up Marianopolis life with Diwali
Thursday, November 4th, will mark the third day of India’s most important holiday of the year. Lakshmi Puja, the day when the Hindu goddess of wealth Lakshmi will visit her devotees, is the most celebrated day of Diwali (from the Sanskrit term Deepavali meaning row of lights), a five-day festival in the Kartik lunisolar month of the Hindu calendar.
Traditionally honoured by the lighting of diyas (oil lamps made from clay) outside homes and temples and adrift on streams, fireworks, prayers, and the exchange of sweets and clothes, Diwali is the celebration of the victory of light over darkness, of knowledge over ignorance, and of good over evil. This festival historically marked the last harvest before winter but has through the centuries become the host for many stories pertaining to the Hindu religion, the exact interpretation differing based on tradition. For instance, a large part of Northern India celebrates the return of Rama (incarnation of Hindu deity Vishnu) to his hometown after saving his wife by vanquishing the 10-headed king of demons Ravana. On the other hand, Southern India’s Diwali refers for the majority to, among other events, Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.
Additionally, while this festival of lights is most associated with Hinduism, it is also a major holiday for other non-Hindu communities; Jainism honors on this occasion the spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara (savior and spiritual teacher of the dharma), while Sikhism commemorates the end of the Sixth Sikh Guru’s imprisonment. Diwali is therefore observed in many other countries such as Nepal, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia.
At Marianopolis, home to a vast cultural diversity in its student body, students will also be able to observe this holiday. In the spirit of relieving the midterm period tension, the Desi Club is organizing an event to both celebrate Diwali and to give everyone a chance to relax and explore their artistic side. On Thursday, November 4th, during Activity Period, the A-307 room will be the host to a Make-Your-Own-Candle-Holder workshop! That same evening, towards 6-7 pm, all participants can put their candle holder to use and light candles in the west inner courtyard. All are welcome to participate!
