Happy Diwali from Downtown Brampton!

Diwali is the festival of lights! It is the biggest festival of Indian culture: a full month of preparation and celebration! Diwali is also known as Deepawali. Deep means light & wali means carrier. One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is celebrated throughout the world. 

People dress up in new clothes, visit temples and relatives to take blessings, meet with friends and families and exchange gifts & sweets. 

The whole house is lit with lights to welcome energy & good luck. After the evening pooja (prayer) to the Goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and other deities, firecrackers are lit and a delicious meal and sweets are shared. 

-Peeyush Gupta, The Wee Smoke Shop

“My family and I love to light up the house with colorful lights and handmade lanterns. Making sweets is a favorite family activity and then enjoying those with friends and family is the best part of the celebration. We love dressing up in traditional wear for the pooja and then my kids have fun bursting crackers and lighting up sparklers on Diwali night.” Pragati Karnik, Dolcezza Custom Cakes

 

 

 

 

“We love getting together with our extended family (outdoors these days!), lighting diyas to invite Goddess Lakshmi into our lives and to fill our hearts with love, prosperity and joy.  Our kids excitedly wear their lengha and kurta, dance to Indian music, and revel in celebrating with their cousin!  We love Diwali!” Raj K. Sharda, Sharda Law

 

 

 

 

“Every Diwali, since 1958, we update a family history book that highlights all our achievements and special moments. It makes the day very nostalgic for us because we go back to previous entries to cherish all the memories we have had.”  Dave Kapil, Kapil Holdings