Written by: Rtr. Sarith Kovilage

Streets are filled with the vibrant, warm hues of diyas; faces are painted with broad smiles; aroma of sweets blends fine with the ambience – it is that time of the year, where everyone unites to celebrate this mesmerizing cultural festival, Deepavali. The festival stands as one of the most prominent cultural elements in Hinduism and is celebrated by millions across the globe in October and November. Deepavali also acts as a bridge that connects people across various backgrounds, as it is celebrated not merely as a religious event, but rather as a shared cultural emotion embraced by many.

Symbolizing the spiritual victory of Dharma over Adharma, good over evil, and light over darkness, the glow emitted from traditional oil lamps plays a key role in the celebration of Deepavali. They are often accompanied by vividly decorated Rangoli artworks and specially made sweets that enhance the essence of Deepavali. Colorful fireworks light up the sky as the celebration takes place, and the bonds among families and communities are refreshed.

Deepavali and its Roots

The term ‘Deepavali’ originates from Sanskrit, meaning ‘rows of lights.’ Also referred to as ‘Diwali,’ the festival traces its roots back to the seventh century Indian Subcontinent, where the initial references to the festival were made within Sanskrit texts such as Padma Purana and Skanda Purana.

Another reference to the festival was made by the 9th-century Sanskrit poet Rajasekhara, who, in his Kavyamimamsa, referred to the festival as ‘Dipamalika’ and described the tradition of whitewashing homes and decorating streets and markets with oil lamps.

Deepavali is connected to various religions, and most prominently associated with Ramayana, whereby the celebration of Deepavali symbolizes Rama’s return to his kingdom in Ayodhya with Sita and his brother, Lakshmana, after defeating Ravana.

Further, it is also associated with Ganesh, the god of wisdom, Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Vishnu and his avatars.

Drawing since ancient times, Deepavali is celebrated among communities in various countries, predominantly in India. In addition, communities in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Indonesia also celebrate Deepavali with spiritual respect.

Celebrations in Sri Lanka

Hindu communities in Sri Lanka celebrate Deepavali with utmost reverence and deep devotion, symbolizing the faith, purity, and the triumph of righteousness. The celebrations are largely concentrated in areas like Jaffna, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, and the Northern suburbs of Colombo, where there is a significant Hindu population.

The festive season begins weeks before the day of Deepavali, since when people start cleaning and whitewashing their homes to welcome a new beginning. Families start shopping for festive items and vivid clothing to prepare for Deepavali. Hearts filled with new hope; Faces filled with fresh smiles – it is the beginning of Deepavali.

On the day of Deepavali, people dress in traditional attire and visit the temples known as Kovil, adorned with intricate festive decorations. Religious rituals take place within the temples amid large crowds of devotees, and the temples become the prime place to develop togetherness in Deepavali, with families and friends reuniting, and new bonds are being formed.

Homes are decorated with festive decorations such as Rangoli floor art and oil lamps. Streets sparkle with rows of oil lamps and bustling fireworks. As a traditional practice, many Tamil families often gather at one place to celebrate Deepavali. Therefore, homes where the celebration takes place are usually kept busy by the crowds gathering all through the day. Women preparing delicate sweets; men having chats with each other; Children running all over the house playing are quite common sights during Deepavali.

Cultural elements tied to Deepavali

Oil lamps and the vibrant ambience are the most significant elements in Deepavali. They together become a symbol of light over darkness and dawn for a new beginning. Therefore, houses, streets and temples are illuminated with oil lamps arranged in various shapes like Mandalas.

Rangoli is another key element of Deepavali. Formed with colored sand, dried rice flour, quartz powder and flower petals, this artwork enhances the vividness of the festival by adding an aesthetic touch to homes and public spaces.

Not any Deepavali celebration is complete without the delicious sweets specially made for Deepavali. Among others, Gulab Jamun, Laddu, Soan Papdi and Jalebi take a prominent spot in Deepavali sweets platters. These delicacies are shared among the families during the festive season and hence are a form of developing togetherness during Deepavali. 

Social and Economic Aspects

In Sri Lanka, Deepavali is celebrated beyond a religious event as a festival in the collective culture that forms the cultural identity of Sri Lanka. Thus, this festival has long been a platform to foster religious harmony, social integrity and coexistence which promotes being a one nation in a multi-ethnic country. It brings people together; no matter what their religion is – what their race is. Hence Deepavali holds a deep cultural significance within Sri Lanka.

Additionally, there is a wide array of economic activities surrounding Deepavali festival season. From a roadside sweets vendor to a 5-star hotel offering Deepavali special cuisine, from a stall selling fireworks to the premier textile shops selling elegant festive clothing, there is an entire seasonal economy formed around Deepavali. Due to this fact, Deepavali, in addition to being socially and culturally important, plays a crucial role in the national economy by being a major shopping season in the country.

In conclusion, Deepavali is no longer a religious event, but rather an integral part of the national culture in many countries that brings people together, foster harmony, and develop spiritualism within the hearts of people. It is a beacon that guides individuals to let good prevail over evil; let light prevail over the darkness. It also reminds all of us that righteousness forever conquers injustice, just like the glow of a diya breaking through the darkness.

Graphic Design by: Rtr. Buthma Menali