A cavalcade of colours burst through the grey clouds that hung over Trafalgar Square to celebrate Diwali.
On Sunday October 12, people of all faiths (and none) were treated to a mix of live music, dance and culture.
Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and the banishment of darkness.
The ‘festival of Lights’ did not banish the unrelenting autumn gloom and rain. But the shared expression of future prosperity shone brightly amid various candles and diyas (oil lamps). Many Hindus honour Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, as others honour different gods and myths across the globe.
Some use the time to spring clean, exchange gifts, try new clothes, or set off fireworks. Nor is Diwali exclusive to Hindus – as Jains and Sikhs also celebrate.
But the actual day of Diwali is not until October 23. Yet, for anyone celebrating, the festivities last for five days. The fourth day is the most important and marks the beginning of the lunar month of Kartika (the new year in Vikrama’s calender).
A sense of joy, faith and spirituality linked the thousands of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains who celebrated nationwide this weekend.
When Diwali arrives in 2015 may this guide have proved educational and informative.
