Diwali means “row of light”. This Sunday, October 30 is a day full of fervor, devotion and enthusiasm for the Mauritians of Hindu faith. Diwali is celebrated the 13 th lunar day “Krishna Paksha ‘month of Hindu calendar” Ashwin “. It is celebrated by millions of believers around the world and is considered the largest Hindu religious holiday.
The Origin , Why Diwali Celebrated ?
This festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge about ignorance, although the real legends that go with the festival are different but the best known is in the Indian epic, the Ramayana. The Ramayana recounts the adventures of the young Prince Rama. Rama represents good, youth and life. Legend has it that the demon Ravana abducted Rama’s wife and fled with her to Lanka (now Sri Lanka). His brother, Lakshman, and the monkey god Hanuman, helped Rama deliver his wife Sita.
Then they returned victorious to the country after 14 years of exile. The inhabitants of Ayodhya lit thousands of oil lamps at the entrance of the hearths in order to clear up and point out the way, hence the origin of this sparkling tradition. It is from this day that Hindus celebrate Diwali in the light of candles and lights. Diwali is born under the sign of shared happiness, but also of the conjugal harmony embodied by Rama and Sita.
Meaning of Diwali
The festival of lights symbolizes renewal and the quest for inner light; hence the great joy that characterizes this annual festival. The lights cast darkness and darkness into the homes where parents and children offer their prayers to Goddess Lakshmi. Prayers are ceremonies of offerings and venerations of the gods. Lakshmi is the wife of Vishnu who symbolizes prosperity, beauty and femininity.
How is the Diwali holiday in Mauritius?
In India, Diwali is celebrated in many ways across the country. Houses, offices, shops and streets are cleaned a few days before the celebration to attract the blessing of the goddess Maha Lakshmi.
Diwali is above all a time to stir up and strengthen family ties. The thresholds of the houses are decorated with small terracotta lamps filled with oil and lit all night long. Every room in the house should be lit by lights and candles.
There are also Rangolis – artistic creations based on multicolored powders. Gifts are exchanged between families and friends, and sweets and other treats are served in abundance. Everyone dons the traditional clothes. Men wear kurta and women wear saris or traditional costumes.
In the evening of Diwali, the families gather for the main prayer and offerings to the goddess Lakshmi before giving way to a festive atmosphere. Children play with firecrackers while the sky is illuminated by fireworks.
The Delights of Diwali
Potato cake: the most famous of all sweets made from potatoes, flour, grated coconut and sugar.
Moti choor Ladoo: Round shaped, made of besam (chickpea flour) and composed of cardamom, pistachio and a touch of saffron.
Jalebis: famous Indian delight, Jalebis are made with sugar and besan.
Kajukatli: A soft sweet diamond made from freshly ground cashews.
Kaju-Pista Rolls: A mixture of cashew nuts and pistachio nuts.
Barfi: Diamond candy made from whole milk and sugar, garnished with cardamom and pistachios.
Rasgulla: tasty circular delight that is known by all, delivered in sweet syrup.
Badam Barfi: In square shape, Barfi made from almonds and garnished with cardamom seeds and pistachios.
Ras Malai: small balls of milk made from cottage cheese served in a sweet cream sauce.
Gulab Jamun: a delight made from flour, condensed milk, cardamom syrup.
