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What I (don’t) know about Diwali

We find out what our non-Indian friends know about Diwali...or don't!

Reading Time: 5 minutes


I’ve heard of it, but not sure what it is or means.
Georgie Kyrikos, Sydney

I have heard of it. It is a Hindu Festival. Is it to do with colours?
Lorraine Moolman, Perth

Diwali is an opportunity for me to engage in the diversity and richness of the Indian culture.
Susie Wilke, Adelaide

Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness – people celebrating will illuminate their homes with light.
Ben Zhang, Melbourne

I believe Diwali celebrates religious customs, specifically the rituals and practices partaken to show gratitude and belief.
Ben Jackson, Brisbane

Diwali for me means a delicious feast of Indian cuisine. Diwali for you, probably means exchanging gifts with friends and family?
Daniel Chen, Melbourne

I know it is a very important Hindu cultural celebration. I googled it, and now I know why the family across the road have every light on in the house once a year.
Penny Pavlakis, Sydney

Diwali is the Festival of Lights, where many come together to celebrate their religion. The festivities of Diwali are wholly important to Hindus, as well as Sikhs and Jains.
Isabella Coveney, Sydney

Ok, I know nothing about it but my mum says “It’s an Indian festival, a celebration, but unfortunately I do not know what or how it is celebrated.
Maxine Feldman, Sydney

I love that I get to celebrate Diwali it’s really nice that the Indian community is so open and inviting. I am looking forward to the food, music, dancing and colours.
Donna Nygaard, Adelaide

Diwali is a celebration of life, where we ate food and laughed -however you can say the same about all Indian holidays! Does Bahubali have something to do with this one? Christopher Vanek, Brisbane

Diwali seems like a beautiful festival with all those lights. I have never been to India, but if I ever had the chance to, I would love to be a part of the festival and experience the culture.
Karen Wang, Sydney

It’s the Festival of Lights – similar to the Christian “Christmas” with a focus on family and sharing. Love the yummy sweets and bright colours as it has a true Festival feel!
Antoinette Mullins, Sydney

I’ve been to a few Diwali celebrations, both in Australia and overseas and it’s been a magical and joyous experience every time! It’s a beautiful celebration of life and good over evil.
Lyndsey Stoney, Perth

I believe it is a very traditional festival of India, and involves a lot of special activities with family and friends. It is so warm and welcoming with all those lights and colours and food and fun!
Mary Hammer, Adelaide

It sounds like it could be a festival of light for good health and peace. I would hope it is anyway. Celebrations should be about bringing people together and what better way than by celebrating light.
Oscar Dobson, Sydney
 

As far as I know it’s the Festival of Lights. In South Africa, Indians celebrating this would light little clay containers with oil and wick. There were also lots of tremendously tasty Indian sweets offered!
Janine Holgate, Sydney

Diwali is celebrated by decorating homes with lamps and candles, bursting of fireworks and sparklers. You eat plenty of sweets, pray to your gods and goddesses, wear new clothes, and send wishes to loved ones.
Victor Chang, Melbourne

I don’t know very much about Diwali. I know that it’s a special celebration in Indian culture that goes for a number of days. People exchange gifts and eat lots of delicious food. It seems like a wonderful time to share with family and friends.
Kate Romeo, Sydney
I have always been fascinated by Indian celebrations as they are so vibrant and colourful. However until I got to know my Indian neighbours I had no understanding of their significance or true meaning. I now know that Diwali is the Hindu Festival of Lights and symbolises light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
Kerren Lumsden, Sydney

For me Diwali is a spiritual celebration of what’s good in the world, appreciating the light within no matter what your creed or colour. My knowledge of it’s origins isn’t so great. I think it comes from lighting lamps upon Rama’s return from exile in the Forrest. An ancient celebration of happiness that is wonderful I’m is still going strong!
Grahak Cunningham, Perth

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