A night of lights

‘Even a single lamp dispels the deepest darkness’

— Mahatma Gandhi

The Hindu Society of Manitoba welcomed more than 5,000 attendees to its Diwali Mela on Oct. 11. The annual bazaar-type event streamed bright lights throughout the RBC Convention Centre in the spirit of celebrating Hindu culture, customs, community connections and camaraderie and cheer.

At this moment in time, as many of us and as many corners of the world face challenges and conflicts, the Diwali vibe offers a reminder to hold firmly onto the message that darkness is defeated by lamps of light and love.

This was the 47th “festival of lights” that the Hindu society has hosted in Winnipeg. The event runs on the efforts of volunteers and the vision of the organization’s senior members who planted a solid foundation for Hindu faith and culture to thrive in the city. Indeed, the event has contributed to the legacy of the society by sharing Hindu culture, arts and traditions, contributing to the cultural mosaic of Manitoba and building better harmony in the city.

“Diwali Mela is not just for our Hindu community. It is open to all. It is for everyone,” society president Anita Roy says.

In the mid 1970s, the Hindu society started holding small Diwali celebrations at St. Mary’s Road United Church. The first Diwali Mela hosted by the society was at Tec Voc High School in 1978. For several years it was held in high schools and on university campuses, but has since found its home at the convention centre since 1994.

From festive decorations to dazzling dances and mesmeric music to delicious culinary delights, the Diwali Mela captures all the goodness, brightness and happiness of this auspicious occasion. Here are highlights of this year’s festivities:

Henna – Sponsored by RBC, as a way to celebrate the special occasion, henna designs were provided for women. The decorative art is drawn on hands and forearms and is comprised of elaborate patterns and beautiful hues.

Cultural Sangam – The workshop area offered the opportunity to experience an array of Indian arts and crafts, such as rangoli and kolam, or decorative floor art, and mandala painting, which features intricate geometric patterns represented by a circle that symbolizes the world.

Clothing and jewelry stalls – Buying new Indian clothes and accessories for yourself and as gifts exudes a lot of excitement during Diwali. A selection of clothing and jewelry stalls, among other business vendors, were part of the Mela.

Cultural show – The highlight of the evening was the variety of enchanting classical, colourful folk and lively contemporary dances capturing the different regions of India and the Diwali spirit.

Food stalls — From jalebi sweets to vegetarian Indian and Hakka appetizers to a veggie thali, the local Clay Oven restaurant offered tasty eats for the food section of the event. As a tradition for years at the Mela, masala dosa (a savoury and crispy crepe-like item filled with spiced potatoes, along with sambar and chutney) and idli (steamed rice cake) sambar (spiced lentil and vegetable stew) were prepared by dedicated volunteers of Winnipeg’s South Indian community.

“The Diwali message of dharma over adharma, goodness and light over evil and darkness and knowledge over ignorance brings us to come together and to celebrate together at the Mela,” Roy says.

While there are various stories associated with Diwali, one story in the Hindu faith synonymous with this special festival involves Lord Rama. Soon after defeating the demon King of Lanka Ravana, Lord Rama returned to the city of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Upon his return, Lord Rama was joyously welcomed by the people of Ayodhya. Along his path to his native home, thousands of diyas, or clay oil lamps, were lit symbolizing the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. This sentiment of unwavering hope that goodness will prevail marks the significance of Diwali.

Diwali, or Deepavali, a Sanskrit word, literally means a row of lights. Homes, places of worship and other spaces are decorated and lit up with diyas as well as with outdoor lights to invoke blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, wealth and happiness who is worshipped on Diwali night, which took place on Oct. 20 this year. Being also a symbol of light, not only should material wealth be desired, but Goddess Lakshmi signifies spiritual wealth — an eternal light that should dwell in our minds and hearts.

The glow of the diyas at Diwali represents a time of self-reflection and renewal. It is a time to think of others. It is a time to reach out to others, whether a community member or co-worker or a neighbour or newcomer. The warmth of the diyas radiates the care, concern and compassion that we should hold for each other today, tomorrow and for times to come.

As thousands of attendees gathered for the Diwali Mela, filling the hall with sparkle and shine, we should realize that when communities come together, we are stronger, we are better and we are brighter.

Romona Goomansingh, PhD is an educator, freelance writer and author in Winnipeg.

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