Meadowbank House care home celebrated Diwali this week with Residents.
Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, which is celebrated every autumn.
Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. During the celebration, temples, homes, shops and office buildings are brightly illuminated. The preparations, and rituals, for the festival typically last five days, The third day is the most important day. On this day Fireworks are lit to mark the high point of the festival. It is the last day of the Hindu year in many regions, when businesses close old accounts.
On this day, Lord Rama rescued his wife from the demon Ravana after an epic battle. When he returned home, his people lit up his path home so he could return in the dark. Today, candles are lit to show the triumph of good over evil and homecoming. Gujarati Indians among others also light lamps in their windows to welcome Lakshmi into the home.
Meadow Bank celebrated the 3rd day by decorating the living room area with fairy light, listening to a personalised play list to celebrate Diwali and watched a video that explained the festival. Residents where extremely interested in learning about the festival and loved the music.
Residents, Kuldip and Savitaben have celebrated Diwali for most of their lives and enjoyed remincsing about traditions and sharing those memories with other Residents.