Middlesbrough is hosting a wonderful Diwali festival this year!
Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is deeply embedded in Hindu culture with its origins tracing back to ancient India, likely beginning as a significant harvest festival. Over time, it has accumulated various legends to explain its inception. One such legend is the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, to Lord Vishnu. The festival is observed over five days during the lunar months of Ashvina and Karttika, typically in October or November, and is a time when homes and public spaces are adorned with rows of lamps, known as ‘dipavali’ in Sanskrit.
One of the most popular narratives associated with Diwali is the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita Devi, and his brother Lakshmana to their kingdom after 14 years in exile. This event is celebrated by lighting lamps to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, epitomized in Rama’s triumph over the demon Ravana. The lighting of lamps also signifies a time of reflection, the joys of life, the opportunity to strengthen familial and communal bonds, and in some regions, it marks the start of the new year.
In the UK, Diwali is celebrated with much fanfare and Middlesbrough is no exception. This year, the Diwali festivities in Middlesbrough are scheduled to take place on Saturday, 11th November, at Centre Square, a celebration of town’s vibrant community and cultural inclusivity. The event is set to feature an array of attractions such as live music and dance performances, a special guest appearance from Britain’s Got Talent, a variety of Indian sweet and savoury street food, children’s activities, funfair rides, a stall bazaar, and a Bollywood-themed fireworks finale.
The event is free, which underscores the inclusive spirit of the celebration, ensuring that it’s accessible to everyone in the community from 12:00pm to 6:00pm.
Linking the historical significance of Diwali to the modern-day celebrations in Middlesbrough provides a rich context for the festival. The traditional lighting of lamps that once guided Lord Rama home is mirrored in the vibrant light displays and fireworks that are a hallmark of the event in Centre Square. It’s a testament to how ancient traditions are kept alive and are adapted to contemporary settings, creating an inclusive atmosphere that not only celebrates a historical event but also strengthens community ties in Middlesbrough. This melding of the past and present in such festivities exemplifies the enduring nature of Diwali’s message of light, knowledge, and goodness prevailing over darkness and ignorance, a universal theme that resonates across cultures and geographies.
