diwali

Happy Diwali!

Happy DiwaliDiwali

Urban Veda’s philosophy is based around Ayurveda, the Indian wellness system which dates back over 5,000 years so we have very much been enjoying Diwali here at the Urban Veda HQ. Diwali is a five-day cultural festival, originating in India and celebrated all over the globe. Also known as the Festival of Lights, the Hindu, Sikh and Jain religions celebrate this colourful festival which symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance, also coinciding with the Hindu New Year. During the 5-day cultural festival, houses, shops and temples light up with candles and colourful lights. These represent parts of the Sun which come together to create a cosmic light spectacle. It is traditional in the lead up for celebrants to clean their homes. This signifies welcoming positivity and the new year with a clean state. Participants also dress up in their finest clothes and worship the female deity Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth. Diwali is celebrated differently depending on the religion. Hindus celebrate the return of the Rama and Sita deities to Ayudhya after their 14-year exile as well as celebrating the day Mother Goddess Durga destroyed the demon, Mahisha. Sikhs recognise Diwali as the release of the 6thguru Hargobind Singh from prison in 1619. This day is celebrates the foundation stone placing in Golden Temple at Amritsar, 1577. Jains celebrate Diwali as the moment Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism reached a state of eternal bliss, or nirvana. All-in-all, many across the world celebrate Diwali. And is a beautiful unification of the Indian religions!