Happy Diwali!
Today - October 31st - people across the world are coming together to celebrate the biggest festival in Indian culture, the festival of light as it is otherwise known.
Over 30,000 people living in Scotland identify as Hindu, the world’s oldest religion, and central to this is Diwali, traditionally a time for communities to join forces, trade food, gifts and stories, to decorate homes and commemorate the belief that good conquers bad.
The holiday symbolises the return of Prince Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshman to their home city of Ayodhya following a 14-year exile and war where local people lit lamps along the paths to help them find their way back.
It’s a symbolic tale that has shaped morality of a culture.
It exudes positivity, celebrating good things, good deeds and good people, encouraging people to be their best self.
If you’d like to learn more about the festival ReNu Bardwaj, a higher educator and food blogger from Paisley has recently released a book - ‘Celebrate Diwali’, which has information, a collection of easy recipes, quick crafts and family friendly activities.
