Pierce Law's annual Diwali celebration will be held this coming Friday night, November 2nd, in the Jury Box beginning at 7:00 p.m. Organized by Namaste India with the support of the Graduate Programs and the Student Bar Association, the evening will feature music, entertainment, and delicious traditional Indian dishes.

One of the most prestigious and pious festivals of India, Diwali, is an occasion for fun and revelry. India is a land of vast cultural heritage, a land of festivals where the rituals of all religions and sects are performed celebrated with equal zeal and enthusiasm. However, Diwali is the grandest of all Indian festivals, with religious, cultural and esoteric significance and celebrated by one and all.

“Diwali” is the abbreviation of the Sanskrit word “Deepavali” which means rows of lights.  Also known as the “Festival of Lights”, it signifies the victory of good over evil, and lamps are lit as a symbol of celebration and hope for humankind.

Though there are a vast number of beliefs associated with this holiday, the most common and repeated version is that the Hindus celebrate Diwali to mark the time when Lord Rama achieved victory over Ravana. As the legend has it, Lord Rama, the king of Ayodhya along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman had spent fourteen years of exile in the forests. This special occasion marks their return to their homeland after defeating Ravana in a war. It is believed that people lit oil lamps along the way to light their path in the darkness. Hence, the festival of lights.

Along with the religious importance attached to this day, Diwali also holds esoteric importance, with the most important meaning being “the awareness of inner light.” Central to Hindu philosophy is a belief in the presence of a pure, infinite and eternal “Atman”: the soul, beyond the physical body and mind. Diwali is the celebration of this inner light that outshines all darkness, awakening the individual to one’s true self as the unchanging, infinite, transcendent reality.

The celebrations for Diwali lasts for five consecutive days, at the end of the Hindu month of Ashwayuja, i.e. October/November, and it is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals. Out of these 5 days, Diwali, is celebrated on the 3rd day. The whole country comes to a standstill and the people of all religions and faiths come together to share the joys and festivities. The preparations for the big day start months in advance, with people renovating and painting their houses in order to welcome Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, love, beauty and fertility into their homes. It is also a day to worship Lord Ganesha and Lord Mahabali.

On the day, it is time for fun, frolic and frenzied buying. Diwali means being together with the family, visiting relatives and friends for exchanging gifts and greetings. Diwali Festival imparts unprecedented fun, hope, value, a whole platter of creativity in form of making colorful rangoli patterns, special Diwali recepies, playing cards and making greeting cards. Homes are decorated with candles, oil lamps, diyas, lights and colourful lanterns. The entire family comes together to prepare special feasts, offer prayers, dance and make merry and, especially, light fireworks -- without which the celebrations are incomplete.  

Keeping the tradition going, each year the Indian association, Namaste India, celebrates this festtival with the Pierce Law family. Hope to see you all there on Friday.