Diwali 2021

Today (4^th November), sees the return of the Hindu festival Diwali. The Equality Diversity Inclusion Team and the Multi-Faith Network would like to wish everyone at EEAST a very happy Diwali. 

Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights, and is recognised all over the world, with communities already beginning their celebrations.

The festival originated in India as a celebration of light, in fact the word Diwali comes from ‘deepavali’ meaning row of lamps. It is traditionally celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs, although over the years it has been incorporated into many different cultures around the world.

It is known as the Festival of Lights because in celebration people light many small clay lamps called ‘iyas’ around their homes to represent the victory of good over evil and to invite good luck and prosperity from the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi and the God Ganesh, who represents good luck, wealth and enlightenment.

Diwali is celebrated with families and friends and involves sharing of a range of traditional food, gifts followed by a firework displays and the lighting of candles and diyas.

This means that as an ambulance service, we could potentially treat patients presenting with injuries similar to those on Fireworks night.

Navrita Atwal, EDI Manager says ‘Diwali is a great opportunity to celebrate, but we want everyone to enjoy it safely and children may not always realise the risks posed by fireworks, bonfires and sparklers. So, if you are attending or hosting a firework display it’s really important to take care and ensure that youngsters are properly supervised. The new fireworks advice hub helps families buy safe and stay safe for Bonfire Night and Diwali’.

Lockdowns as a result of Covid-19 last year meant that celebrations had to be cancelled, with many hoping to make up for the lost time in 2021.

Please remember to stay safe. To all those celebrating Diwali, we wish you a safe and wonderful festival.

Published 4th November 2021