Happy Diwali 2021!

Posted Wednesday 3rd November 2021

Diwali is India’s most important festival of the year which celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Sometimes also called the festival of lights, Diwali is celebrated over five days and marks the start of the new year in the Hindu calendar. This year Diwali will start on Thursday 4 November. See below what Diwali means to our Litigation Associate, Jayneil.

How do you normally celebrate Diwali? And how do you plan to this year?

As a family, we normally visit the Hare Krishna Temple in Watford for evening prayers, followed by a gathering of our family and friends at home. The evening meal consists of variety of different types of food and far too many Indian sweets. The day usually ends with all the family making their way out the garden to light fireworks and sparklers (weather permitting). We also as a sign of respect touch our elders’ feet and ask for their blessings and maybe if I’m lucky, I am passed envelopes of money.

This year, we will be celebrating Diwali in this way which we couldn’t do last year due to Covid.

What does Diwali mean to you and your family?

Diwali is a special time for my family and I, it always reminds me of the battles our gods faced and that no matter how difficult things might seem, that good always wins in the end.

It is also a time for our family to come together and to celebrate our traditions and to share with each other our dreams and aspirations for the year ahead.

What is your favourite traditional food & drink to have during the festive period?

My favourite dish has to the “puri” which is a deep-fried flatbread served with a potato curry, followed by “magas” a traditional Indian sweet. This is washed down with my drink of choice “Lassi”, which is a drink made up of yogurt, milk and salt, topped off with a few spices.

What is your favourite thing about Diwali?

My favourite part about Diwali are the celebrations that happen over the 5-day festive period with family and friends, as well as the extravagant firework displays.

Is there anything else you can/want to tell us about Diwali?

Diwali is not just celebrated by Hindus but also by other religions such as Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism.

Happy Diwali to all celebrating this year!

This article is for reference purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking or deciding not to take any action.