Mehakdeep Kaur is an international student from India studying at Bow Valley College.
After sitting down with Kaur, we learned how some students from overseas celebrate Diwali while not residing in their native country.
Q: Why do people celebrate Diwali?
Mehak: Throughout India, people enjoy Diwali as an occasion for lamps. They all experience delight on Diwali. Families come jointly to celebrate Diwali by sharing food, distributing presents, and having fun. It’s an opportunity to see family, develop relationships with friends and family, and engage in various traditions and ceremonies.
Q: What role does Diwali play historically?
Mehak: It marks the arrival of Lord Rama, the elder Lakshmana, and his wife Sita from banishment following their victory over the evil king Ravana in North India. It is linked to Lakshmi, the Hindu god of wealth and fortune, in other parts of the world.
Q: What customs and ceremonies do your family observe annually during Diwali?
Mehak: On Diwali, I tidy the house and hang colourful lights and diya. As a sign of love and caring, we are giving sweets and candies to our family and friends. In addition to worshipping the Hindu goddess Laxmi with family, we like to watch fireworks outdoors at nighttime.
Q: What sort of decor for Diwali do you set up?
Mehak: I created a colourful rangoli in the middle of the house with Diya. I placed the diya both outside and within the house. In addition to representing the triumph of good over evil, they are thought to bring luck and wealth into the house.
Q: Which traditional foods or desserts do you and your family cook for Diwali?
Mehak: For our family and relatives on Diwali, I made the pohe and namak pare. Together with family and friends, we enjoyed both dishes.
Q: What ethnic and personal meaning does Diwali hold for you?
Mehak: Diwali represents a period of getting together and strengthening bonds with loved ones. It’s a chance for us to get together, take a break from our hectic lives, remember the past, and make new memories. Diwali represents the triumph of wisdom against blindness, brightness above silence, and righteousness over bad in different religions. It indicates the value of faith, optimism, and spirit in the face of adversity.
