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On October 21, Diwali — the festival of lights — will be celebrated by Hindus the world over.
Legend has it that this day, Rama, with his wife, Sita, and younger brother Lakshman returned to their kingdom in Ayodhya after 14 years of exile in a forest. It symbolises the end of the evil and the beginning of the good.
During this period, Hindus begin new businesses and ventures. Streets, roads, houses, and buildings are lit up by a thousand lights! People buy new clothes, sparkle their homes, exchange gifts and sweets, visit relatives and friends and play with firecrackers. In Bahrain, the season is celebrated with the same vigour and excitement. Here are a few traditions for the season.
Diyas: To commemorate the victory of good over evil, homes and streets are illuminated. Tiny earthen lamps or diyas are lit and placed all around the house, especially at entrances. Candles can be used as a substitute. They are available here near the Krishna temple in Manama.
Sweets and gifts: Diwali is a time to forget about your diets and savour the sweets that rejoice the season. A variety of colourful, mouth-watering, sweets are bought and exchanged amongst friends and relatives. Similarly, gifts are also exchanged. They are a splendid sight with all its shapes, sizes and colours. They are available at any Indian sweet mart on the island.
Buying new things: According to custom, it is an auspicious time to buy something new, as it is considered the start of a New Year. New clothes are mandatory and families generally buy some new items for the home. Fresh business ventures are also initiated during this period.
Rangoli: An ancient Hindu custom in homes is making a design or folk art on the floor at the entrance. Rangoli means a colourful and is a creative expression. This design is drawn by the women of the household and symbolises the welcoming spirit of the season. Rangoli is usually a powder made of rice flour and colour is added and is believed to bring prosperity.
