"Indian Christmas" - lets learn and celebrate what Diwali actually is!
Again and again we hear ‘Indian Christmas’ but Diwali has become a unifying festival for people of various religions and backgrounds in India and around the world - estimated to be over a billion people.
It is a time of joy, togetherness, and the celebration of light, both literally and metaphorically.
Different Diwali origin stories
Diwali is an old celebration that has been adopted, adapted, and merged. As such, it has a huge number of origin stories or reasons for celebration - often for the win of good over evil.
Ramayana
Lord Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana were expelled from the city (because of a corrupt step-mother), had to survive in the forest. Sita was abducted by a demon king with 10 heads, Ravana. They rallied troops of mokeys and battled against the demon king’s armies and won.
After news of their victory, the people of the city welcomed them with lamps outside their houses and fireworks.
The defeat of Narakasura
Narakasura was a powerful giant God corrupted to demon. He was the sun of Mother Earth (Bhudevi) and while he was a God he was given invincibility from all, apart from his mother (as invincibility is impossible).
He became corrupt and tyrannical, kidnapping thousands of women in some stories! His destruction became so insufferable that a huge number of lords prayed and came to his reincarnated mother Satyabhama and a reincarnation of Krishna.
They convinced them to battle battled Narakasura and thus started a war where Krishna used a circular blade that cut things in half (picture) and Satyabhama struck the final blow with an arrow.
Lord Mahavira
Jain’s celebrate their main figure, Mahavira’s, spiritual awakening, attainment of nirvana and then hence the beginning of Jainism!
Bandi Chhor Divas
Sikh’s celebrate the release of their Guru Hargobind Ji (sixth in a line of 10) from a Mughal King imprisonment in 1619 along with 52 others he negotiated for. Wearing a special outfit they could hold on to, he lead them out to huge applause. It represents freedom from control, removal of prejudice, service to others in the community.
How to celebrate?
There are actually 5 days in this festival:
Dhanteras (preparation),
Naraka Chaturdashi (lighting of lamps and firecrackers),
Diwali (cleaning, decorating, gifts, and praying together),
Govardhan Puja (offerings of food),
Bhai Dooj (celebration of the bond between siblings)
So let’s celebrate!
Food
Vegetable Biryani:
Biryani is a festive and aromatic rice dish that combines basmati rice with a variety of vegetables and a blend of spices. It's often garnished with fried onions and fresh coriander. The fragrance and taste of biryani make it a special dish for celebratory occasions.
Dal Makhani:
Dal Makhani is a creamy and indulgent lentil dish that typically includes black lentils (urad dal) and kidney beans (rajma). It's slow-cooked with butter, cream, and a mix of aromatic spices. The result is a rich and flavorful dal that pairs well with naan or rice.
Aloo Gobi:
Aloo Gobi is a classic vegetarian dish that features cauliflower and potatoes cooked with a blend of spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. It can be prepared as a dry stir-fry or with a gravy, depending on personal preference. Aloo Gobi is a comforting and well-loved dish in Indian cuisine.
Dessert: Badam Halwa
It is essentially an almonds, sugar, and ghee pudding with saffron and cardamom.
Movies!
Only one keeps coming up again and again. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (translated: "Sometimes Happiness, Sometimes Sorrow") or Tears and Happiness.