Deepawali – By Shiyamala Yogeswaran Source : Dæhæna Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter Deepawali, or the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated globally in various ways. While deeply rooted in Hindu traditions, it is observed by over a billion people, including Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. The festival, which usually takes place in October or November, derives its name from the Sanskrit word meaning “row of lights.” Image Source : lyfta The light in Deepawali holds deep symbolic meaning which is wherever light shines, darkness is dispelled. Just as light drives away physical darkness, it also represents the removal of emotional and spiritual darkness caused by anger, greed, hatred, jealousy and ego. Enlightenment brings clarity, guiding the soul toward freedom from suffering of birth. When people realise the truth and grasp the deeper significance of life and the divine, their soul is liberated from worldly burdens. This spiritual ...
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THAI PONGAL 2023 – By Vasu Vasudevan Source : Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – January 2023 As we celebrate the English New year along with all our Australian friends, we must not forget that Thai Pongal, one of the major Hindu festivals, will be celebrated soon on Sunday, the 15th of January. Thai Pongal is celebrated in a grand manner in the rice growing belt of South India and Sri Lanka to mark the end of winter months and the beginning of longer days as the sun commences its journey towards the northern hemisphere (also known as Utharayana). On this auspicious day, the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn or Maka, hence this day s also called Makara Sankaranthi. On Thai Pongal day, newly harvested rice is boiled with milk and jaggery and offered to Surya or Sun God outside the house facing East. A new earthen pot ...
