We would like to wish all our Hindu, Jain and Sikh students a very Happy Diwali!<\/p>\r\n
Diwali<\/span><\/b> is the Festival of Light and this year falls over two days; 20 and 21 October. Its origins lie in the story of when Lord Rama and his wife Sita, returned to their homes after 14 years of exile due to jealousies over who would next be king. \u00a0It is also linked to Rama\u2019s defeat of Ravana, the evil king of Lanka. Rama and Sita\u2019s return was celebrated by villagers who lit lamps to guide them back home. \u202fThe word \u2018Diwali\u2019 means \u2018rows of lighted lamps\u2019.<\/span>\u00a0 People celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas by lighting diyas in homes, shops and public spaces. Other celebrations include firework displays, spring-cleaning the home, exchanging gifts, preparing festive meals, wearing new clothes and making rangoli patterns on the floor from pastes and powders.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n The height of Diwali is celebrated on the third day, coinciding with the darkest night of Ashvin or Kartika and is a national holiday in many countries including India, Malaysia, Nepal, Fiji, Mauritius, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n Come and celebrate Diwali on Tuesday 21 October, 17:00 – 20:00 at the Parkwood Pavilion. Enjoy traditional music and food as well as activities such as Henna tattooing and Diya painting. This event is open to everyone (student and staff). Traditional dress is appreciated but not essential.
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In its broader meaning ,Diwali symbolises the spiritual victory of Dharma (light, goodness or knowledge) over Adharma (darkness, evil or ignorance). For some, it celebrates Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Ganesha, the god of wisdom, and people light diyas to allow their goodness to enter their homes. Diyas are small traditional oil lamps with a cotton wick, typically made of clay and filled with oil or ghee. \u202f<\/span>\u00a0
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Bandi Chhor Divas <\/span><\/b>is\u202fa Sikh festival also celebrated on Diwali, and marks the release of the sixth Sikh Guru,\u202f<\/span>Guru Hargobind<\/span><\/a>, and 52 Hindu princes from prison in 1619. The name translates to “Prisoner Liberation Day”. Guru Hargobind returned to Amritsar during the celebrations for the Hindu festival of Diwali, the festival of lights and because of this, the two festivals are often celebrated together, with the illuminations of Diwali also marking the celebration of Bandi Chhor Diva. Sikhs commemorate this day by lighting up Gurdwaras and homes, performing devotional singing, and engaging in acts of selfless service.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n
If you are celebrating, then we wish you joy, peace and prosperity this festive season<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"