To all our families celebrating Diwali, we would like to wish you a very happy celebration.
Diwali
Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights is celebrated on Wednesday, October 18th. Some Temples may
celebrate this day on October 19th.
Diwali (short for Deepavali, meaning 'line of lamps'), also known as the Festival of Lights is a Hindu,
Sikh, and Jain festival that originated in India. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over
darkness.
Diwali also signifies many different things to different people. For most Hindus, Diwali is
dedicated to the Goddess of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. In Bengal, Diwali honours
the goddess Kali. For Sikhs, the festival commemorates the return of the sixth guru to the Holy city of
Amritstar after his release from detention. For the Jain community, it commemorates the passing into
Nirvana of Mahavira.
It also may be the beginning of a new year for farmers who plant their crops
after Diwali, as well as for business people and merchants who traditionally settle all accounts on this
day and begin the new financial year. Everywhere it is celebrated, it signifies the renewal of life.
To celebrate this joyous and important festival, people get together with friends and family, exchange
gifts of sweets and greet each other with the words 'Subh Diwali’. Some set off fireworks and wear
new clothes. Many light little clay lamps, called dipas or diyas, candles and even neon lights.
On behalf of Fossil Hill staff, we wish our students and members of the community who celebrate Diwali, a
happy and festive time with friends and family.
