Millions attend Neasden temple to bring in the Hindu New Year
Happy Diwali. Millions of Hindus and Jains, celebrated the “Festival of lights” today 11th November 2015.The Diwali fireworks display and attractive decorations personify the victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
The Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas on the same day, marking the liberation of the Sixth Guru from prison.
In Hinduism, light means self-improvement, self-awareness and community. Diwali derived from the Sanskirt “deepawali” or row of lights. also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year.
In northern India –Diwali is a time to celebrate the legend of Lored Shri Rams who returned after 14 years of exile to Ayodhya, having been banished by his stepmother with his wife Sita and brother Laxmana .
While being expelled in the forest, the princess was captured by Ravana, the 10 headed King of demons. After a battle,, Rama was rescued his wife and the couple returned to Ayodhya for a prosperous period rule Ram-raj.
Diwali is also a time to honour the goddess of wealth, Laxmi, and row of lights is to guide her into people’s homes for prosperity, as people leave their door open during the festival to prompt Laxmi’s entry. Late evening, the women of the houseled the Laxmi pooja, which marks the important third day of the five-day festival which begins at Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Dooj, as goddess Laxmi bestows wealth, peace, good fortune, knowledge, honesty and virtue.
In Nepal Diwali is a celebration of Lord Krishna over demon Narakaasura, who was thought to have kidnapped women and grabbed land.
Traditionally Diwali is celebrated with the illumination of small earthenware oi lamps called diyas made with coconut oil, ghee and cotton wicks accompanied by electronic lights and fireworks displays.
Neasden Temple – Swaminarayan Mandir in North London is holding the largest Diwali and Hindu New year celebrations attended by 1 million worshippers.