Diwali: Festival of Lights
Today we join millions the world over in celebrating the start of the South Asian festival of Diwali, also known as The Festival of Lights.
Diwali is an annual international celebration of joy. Fireworks light up the sky; tea lights and candles brighten our homes as colorful costumes and dancing fills the street. Families feast on fabulous sweets such as gulab jabons and badam-halwa; wine flows freely and guests are welcomed with a cup of Chai Masala!
The word “Diwali” can be translated as “row of lights.” During Diwali homes and streets are decorated with small clay oil lamps. These symbolize the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Diwali also celebrates the beginning of a new business year, and wishes for a healthy, happy one.
Historically Diwali signifies the Hindu God Lord Rama coming home after being placed in exile for 14 years by an evil king. Diwali is observed by religious groups other than Hindus too, such as Jains in South Asia, Malaysia and Singapore, and peoples of South Asian heritage living around the world.
The good news is you can prepare your own Diwali feast just hours in advance with the help of Indianlife Foods! Vegetarian foods are traditional. Indianlife Cooking Sauces create authentic, delicious curries within minutes – try all of them in our Sauce Sampler Variety Pack! Add our delicious Naan or our other traditional flatbreads.
For appetizers, set the table and mood with a sumptuous platter of our famous samosas and pakoras. These award-winning Non-GMO family favorites are available at natural food stores and local grocers in North America — if you can’t find them near you, contact us. Samosas and pakoras pair well with our wide choice of chutneys, available in our online store, or at Whole Foods and other natural and local grocers in North America.
Diwali is about welcoming the coming year with an open heart and spirit. We wish you a happy, healthy Diwali filled with light, love and peace.
