Apurv Shukla – 
Diwali, the Festival of Lights is upon us.
One of the biggest festivals of India, this day is celebrated by people of Indian origin across the globe. From a lit up at 10 Downing Street in London, to the Beehive in Wellington and fireworks over the Auckland skyline, millions of people join in the festivities.
Community identity
Festivals act as mirrors of a community’s identity.
Diwali has become a showcase for Indian culture and customs internationally.
The spirit of Diwali is contagious. It is an all-encompassing festival, welcoming people to its fold. With each passing year, Diwali is being celebrated on a bigger scale in New Zealand. Increasing numbers of the Indian Diaspora and awareness about Diwali amongst the wider community have led to this festive occasion occupying the pride of place in cultural calendars.
The message Diwali emanates of hope, cheer and bringing light in our lives is universal.
The legend of Lord Rama going to exile for 14 years on insistence of His family summarises the intrinsic part families play in Indian culture.
Connecting opportunity
It was His return from the exile that sparked celebrations called Diwali.
In an increasing commercialised and fast paced world, it gives people an opportunity to connect with their inner self, and emphasises the importance of being and doing good.
Other features of Diwali like sharing with the less fortunate, and getting rid of negativity resonates with everyone. The bursting of fire crackers adds to the magic of a beautiful day.
Traditionally, households are thoroughly cleaned in anticipation of the Goddess of Wealth Lakshmi visiting and blessing. Again, it emphasises the values of keeping our surroundings clean, and respecting money.
Traditional values
Diwali presents an excellent opportunity to make the young Kiwi Indian children aware about the Indian culture and customs. Being raised in a country far away from the homelands of their parents, children might not be aware and acknowledge the reason for celebration of Diwali. What is required is to present the message behind the festival in a simple and contextual manner to generation next. Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil. This can be interpreted in the language of young people- of there being no shortcut to hard work.
We now witness multiple events celebrating Diwali being held across New Zealand.
These were initiated presumably to be platforms for people of Indian origin and the wider community to meet, and celebrate occasion.
Fine balance
But are they actually doing that in 2015?
Accusations are made against these festivals for getting increasingly commercialised and forgetting the true essence of Diwali. It is a fine-line to tread in meeting economic obligations of such events, and being blamed of being a sell-out. It is imperative that Diwali Melas are well organised, and no one loses money. But these events cannot be reduced to Hindi film centric song and dance routines, blatantly flogging commercial products.
Avenues should be provided to classical Indian art and Dance forms.
Also are these events becoming overtly loud and boisterous, transcending acceptable norms in the Kiwi society?
One of the most pleasing sights around Diwali is to see various organisations in New Zealand join in the festive spirit. From Universities to Libraries, from Banks to other big and small commercial entities –all seem to have embraced this occasion as a day to celebrate life, and acknowledge the positive impact people of Indian origin are making to Kiwi society.
The seriousness and effort that is undertaken by all of them to celebrate Diwali is praise worthy. Diwali in some ways can now draw parallels with Christmas – a universal day of celebration transcending geographic and cultural boundaries.
Diwali is a once-in-a-year opportunity for us to celebrate the festival of lights with our family and friends from all walks of Kiwi life.
Let us celebrate Diwali with gusto, but also not forget its message- that to light up our lives by removing negativity, and spreading the festive cheer.
