Although Diwali is a major annual festival in the Hindu calendar, last year’s celebrations were, understandably, muted because of the pandemic.
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But now that restrictions are lifted, this year’s event is promising to be bigger and better than ever, giving people the opportunity to really celebrate, and enjoy the authentic flavours of food and drink – there’s no festival without a feast!
Millions of lamps will be lit in Bradford, and around the world this year, in their homes, temples, businesses, shops, and many other buildings where the event is celebrated.
Diwali means ‘The Festival of Light’ and symbolises the triumph of light over darkness; good over evil; and knowledge over ignorance. Also observed by Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists, the festival usually lasts five days, with the third day being the main focus of celebration.
The date of the festival changes every year, decided by the darkest night of the lunar month – after the Hindu month of Ashvin has ended and the month of Kartika has begun. The third day of the festival must correspond with the darkest night, and is known as Kartik Amavasya (New Moon Day). This year, the main day of celebration is on Thursday, 4 November.
Food is a major consideration when planning for Diwali – and Regal Foods is ideally placed to help you choose the best treats to enjoy during the festival. Enjoy sharing our many savoury treats, including traditional Bombay Mix, as well as more modern classics like popcorn. Bowls of snacks are always welcome, with delicious dried fruits as treats to have at hand, such as dried figs and apricots.
Egg-free products are popular at this time, to eat as well as to offer to friends and family. Regal’s famous cake rusk and egg-free cookies are not only enjoyed during Diwali, but are a teatime favourite all year round.
The Festival of Lights is a feast to the eye, as is the colourful array of delicious foods and drinks you will be eating and offering to your guests. Include vibrant mango juice, and mixed fruit juices, as well as cooling lemon and mint drinks.
Bring light and joy to your celebrations with Regal’s beautifully, handcrafted clay Diwali diyas. Each one is uniquely decorated, to brighten up your home, or as the perfect gift for the festival.
Traditionally, diya lamps are lit at the festival of Diwali. Made of brass for more permanent use – for example in temples – or clay, for temporary celebrations such as Diwali, the lamps hold a wick, dipped in ghee or vegetable oil, that is lit like a candle. The diya represents enlightenment, knowledge, or wisdom. Lighting the diya is said to dispel negativity from the mind and soul, and allow space for positive thoughts to enter.
Enjoying and sharing good food and drink with friends and loved ones during Diwali is a way of looking to a brighter future. We light up our lives as we light up our homes.
See the Regal website, www.shopatregal.com, for a full range of Diwali treats, gifts and hampers.
