Today, in distant and fascinating India, Diwali or the Festival of Lights is celebrated, a religious festivity that attracts the attention of the inhabitants and tourists due to the color and joy that overflows in the houses, streets, temples and markets of this mystical Asian nation. The festival is presided over by Lakshmí, Hindu goddess of prosperity and wealth, consort of the god Vishnu, creator, preserver and destroyer of the universe.
In this video, made by the television channel of the National Geographic Foundation, you can appreciate all the splendor and meaning of this date, in which families gather in harmony, they share what they have with their neighbors, pray in community and culminate the five days of celebration with an impressive display of fireworks and bright colored lights, just like their famous silk fabrics.
The voice of the video is in English, Spill Magisterial offers you the translation into Spanish:
“DIWALI – THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
At any time of the year, a visitor to India can be overwhelmed by its beauty and colour, but a visitor arriving in November will be especially lucky. The temperature has dropped a bit, the restrictions have not yet started and Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is at hand.
Diwali it is for the Indians what Christmas It is for Christians. In essence, it commemorates the victory of the forces of light over the forces of darkness.
To experience it fully, get up before dawn and head to the flower market. Here, florists work furiously to create arrangements that the Indians will use to adorn their homes. By dawn, they will all be sold.
Then, visit some of the temples, but do it early. Later, they will be packed with people. On your way, you will find the most amazing images. People, on the thresholds of their houses, place arrangements with colored sand, which take the shape of the lotus flower, a symbol of welcome and today, millions of welcome messages will be at the foot of each door.
In fact, on Diwali everything revolves around the idea of sharing. If you're staying in a private home, don't be surprised if your neighbors show up with a few plates of delicious party recipes.
It is also customary for families to go to temples together, all dressed in new clothes, bought especially for Diwali. And if these clothes inspire you, you can go to the market. All shops open on Diwali and Indian silks are justly famous for their beauty. This is just one of the ways that the people of India prepare for this festive spirit.
“This is an occasion for all of us to be happy, as a family, and enjoy all the good things in life. We have nice clothes, good food.”
Everywhere there are lights. If you have to go through the commercial districts in India, you will find a wide display of lights, similar to what is seen in Western cities during Christmas.
Some cities also have the habit of launching spectacular fireworks, like these in Delhi. But no matter where you are, you'll always be able to see small, intimate fireworks displays. The celebrations, which last all day, are coming to an end and they do so with explosions of colour”.