Is Diwali celebrated in Sri Lanka?

What is Diwali?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most popular Hindu festivals celebrated annually in India and other parts of the world. It is a five-day festival which usually falls between mid-October to mid-November, depending on the lunar calendar. The festival signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy by lighting diyas (oil lamps), exchanging gifts, wearing new clothes, preparing delicious food, and performing puja (worship) rituals.

Diwali in India: A Historical Perspective

Diwali is believed to have originated in ancient India as a harvest festival celebrated by farmers. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama returned to his kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and defeating the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting diyas and bursting firecrackers. This event is considered to be the main reason behind the celebration of Diwali. Over time, the festival evolved into a major cultural and religious event that is celebrated not only by Hindus but also by Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists in India and abroad.

Spread of Hinduism in Sri Lanka

Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, and it has had a significant influence on Sri Lankan culture since ancient times. According to historical records, Hinduism was introduced in Sri Lanka during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC, who was converted to Buddhism by the Indian emperor Ashoka. Despite this, Hinduism continued to flourish in Sri Lanka, especially in the northern and eastern parts of the country, where a significant Tamil population resides.

Hindu Festivals in Sri Lanka: Overview

Sri Lanka is home to a diverse population of different religions, ethnic groups, and cultures. Hinduism is the second-largest religion in Sri Lanka after Buddhism, and it is mainly practiced by the Tamil community. The major Hindu festivals celebrated in Sri Lanka include Thai Pongal, Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri, and Deepavali. These festivals are celebrated with great fervor and are an integral part of the Sri Lankan cultural heritage.

Diwali Celebrations in Sri Lanka: Past & Present

Diwali is celebrated in Sri Lanka by the Tamil community, who light diyas, decorate their homes with colorful rangolis (patterns), prepare traditional sweets, and offer prayers to the deities. In the past, the festival was mostly celebrated in the northern and eastern parts of the country, where the Tamil population is concentrated. However, in recent years, Diwali celebrations have become more widespread, with many Sri Lankans of different religious backgrounds joining in the festivities.

Diwali & Sri Lankan Culture: How are they connected?

Diwali has had a significant impact on Sri Lankan culture, especially in the areas where the Tamil community resides. The festival is not only a religious event but also a cultural one, where people come together to celebrate their shared heritage and traditions. It is also an opportunity for Sri Lankans to showcase their hospitality and generosity by offering food and gifts to their friends and neighbors.

Diwali Celebrations: North vs. South Sri Lanka

Diwali celebrations in Sri Lanka vary depending on the location. In the northern and eastern parts of the country, where the Tamil population is concentrated, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is marked by the lighting of diyas, bursting of firecrackers, and preparing traditional delicacies. In the south, where the Sinhalese population is dominant, the festival is not as widely celebrated, but some people still light diyas and offer prayers to the deities.

Diwali & Other Festivals in Sri Lanka

Diwali is one of many festivals celebrated in Sri Lanka, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity. Some of the other festivals celebrated in Sri Lanka include Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Vesak, Eid, Christmas, and the Kandy Esala Perahera. These festivals offer a unique glimpse into the diverse cultural traditions of different communities in Sri Lanka.

Diwali Celebrations in Hindu Temples in Sri Lanka

Hindu temples in Sri Lanka play a significant role in the celebration of Diwali. During the festival, temples are decorated with lights and flowers, and priests perform special puja rituals to honor the deities. Devotees offer prayers and make offerings of sweets, fruits, and flowers to seek blessings and prosperity.

Diwali & Business in Sri Lanka

Diwali is also a significant event for businesses in Sri Lanka, as it marks the beginning of the New Year for many Hindu communities. Shops and markets are decorated with lights and colors, and many people buy new clothes, jewelry, and other items to mark the occasion. The festival is also an opportunity for businesses to promote their products and services through advertisements and special deals.

Conclusion: Diwali in Sri Lanka – A Celebration of Diversity

Diwali is a festival that celebrates diversity and unity, bringing people of different religions, ethnic groups, and cultures together in Sri Lanka. It is a time of joy, love, and togetherness, where people come together to share their traditions and heritage. The festival is not only a religious event but also a cultural one, where people of all backgrounds can come together and celebrate the richness of Sri Lankan culture.

References: Sources for Further Reading

"Diwali in Sri Lanka: A Time of Joy and Celebration". SriLankaHolidayIdeas.com. Retrieved 16 October 2021, from https://srilankaholidayideas.com/diwali-in-sri-lanka/.
"Diwali Celebrations in Sri Lanka". IndiaToday.in. Retrieved 16 October 2021, from https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/diwali-celebrations-in-sri-lanka-1765179-2021-11-04.