New Delhi: Preparations are in full swing for Diwali in India. But do you know how one of the neighbours, Sri Lanka, celebrates Diwali or Deepavali? The first thought that comes to mind is whether Sri Lanka, the Kingdom of Ravana, celebrates Diwali. The answer is yes. Sri Lanka uniquely celebrates Diwali. Let us find out in this article.
How unique is Sri Lanka’s Diwali?
Diwali begins with Dhanteras. Sri Lanka has a unique way of celebrating Diwali, and Sri Lankan Tamils celebrate it with great pomp.
Jaffna, Sri Lanka, is at the top of this. Diwali is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in Colombo and some other places. This island country is not considered a festival of Ram’s victory over Ravana but of the triumph of good over evil.
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Like in India, people in Sri Lanka begin to clean their houses weeks in advance. This is done to remove negativity and incorporate positivity.
Diwali in Jaffna
Though the Tamil Hindus celebrate Diwali with great pomp in Jaffna, people from other religions, such as Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims, also participate in it, demonstrating communal harmony.
There are many temples in Jaffna, known as Kovils. They have an essential place in Diwali celebrations.
The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil of Lord Murugan is the most prestigious among these. According to several reports, people take oil baths on the morning of Diwali. They wear new clothes, visit temples, and offer special prayers.
Just like in India, the entire sky in Jaffna is lit with firecrackers.
In Jaffna, Diwali is celebrated by relatives gathering together to enjoy a community feast.
Neighbours open their doors to each other, sharing sweets, snacks, and stories. Leaving all kinds of differences behind, friendship and unity are celebrated. Dance and other cultural programmes are also organised.
People decorate their homes in the most mesmerising ways. They make rangoli with rice flour, coloured powder, and flowers. The rangoli graces houses and welcomes visitors with a sense of warmth and beauty.
