Fill the Heart with the oil of love. Place in it the wick of single-pointed mind. Light it with the Knowledge of Truth and remove the darkness of ignorance around you. Just as one lamp can light many lamps; let each youth kindle this Light in many hearts.
Diwali will be celebrated on November 2nd and 3rd this year in Toronto. Apart from India, where the biggest celebrations will be, other countries with South Asian populations will also be “lighting up” and participating in other ways in this Festival. It’s a New Year celebration. Many homes are lit up and special meals prepared for the occasion. It’s a time for lots of “sweet treats. “On the day of the Diwali festival, doorways are hung with torans of mango leaves and marigolds. Rangolis are drawn with different colored powders to welcome guests. The traditional motifs are often linked with auspicious symbols of good luck. Oil diyas are arranged in and around the house. Because of these flickering lamps, the festival has acquired its name : Dipawali or Diwali meaning ‘a rows of lamps’. On this day, people buy something for the house or some jewelry for the women of the house. It is auspicious to buy something metallic, such as silver.
“Little India” in the Gerrard/Coxwell area of Toronto has Diwali celebrations planned between 2:00 pm-10:00 pm on November 2nd and 3rd. Toronto has a large South Asian population and many people are sure to be there with family and friends. The program includes Indian Classical Music, Rajasthani Music and Dances, Kathak, Bhangra and Bharatnatyam. For all Bollywood fans, Bollywood Dances are on the program. A chance to learn Indian Dancing is also part of what I saw listed on the Program. Live music will also be provided by Aaksah. It should be lots of fun!
For those celebrating Diwali, have a Happy Diwali. Hope you enjoy the collages that I put together for this occasion. They comprise all my own photography.
These diyas are very ornate and colorful and many vendors in the Gerrard area were selling these for Diwali. There were ordinary clay ones there as well.
This is just a small view of what is available for Diwali. There are sure to be many more “treats” than are seen in this collage. I was there on the day of Diwali one year and huge tables in restaurants had nothing but sweets for sale.
The finest Indian dress for both men and women can be found in this area – not to mention the lovely Indian dress for children. Many people buy new clothing for Diwali.
This collage shows some mouth-watering Indian food, some more beautiful Indian dress, and Indian ornaments. Many women have henna designs (Mehndi) – although I don’t know if they do this for Diwali. I took this image when I was down there during the summer for a street festival.
Many people eat out in this area for Diwali. We had a fine meal at one of the restaurants down there not so long ago and this is what we had. Yummy!
Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth, health, peace, prosperity and love. People clean and decorate their houses on the occasion as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi will go to only clean houses and bless them with wealth and prosperity. People offer vermilion, turmeric and flowers to the idol. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped together at most places as it is considered fortunate and wisdom and wealth come together. In the night lamps are lighted to welcome the goddess.
Enjoy all your Diwali sweets.
