Diwali, the “festival of lights” is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in autumn every year by Hindus all over the world. The festival signifies the victory of light over darkness, the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika. In the UK, Diwali falls between mid-October and mid-November every year.
Before Diwali, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes. On Diwali night, Hindus dress up in new clothes, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, participate in prayers particularly to Lakshmi the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Fireworks are often the climax of celebrations which include a family feast and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends.
On the same night that Hindus celebrate Diwali, Jains celebrate a festival of lights to mark the attainment of moksha by Mahavira, and Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas.
Find out more about Bees in Religion in DrBeekeeper’s Bee History Throughout The Ages series. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for Diwali why not try DrBeekeeper’s Diwali World Honey Collection Gift Box.