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'Diwali brings the community together'

BBC Four women in traditional hindu clothing squatting down lighting small oil-based candlesBBC
The Bansal family light diyas in preparation for Diwali

Family, friends and neighbours are coming together to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.

One of the holiest days in the Hindu calendar, the event is about bringing "positive energy" to start the new year, says Rashmi Bansal from Cheltenham.

She has been cleaning the house and preparing to welcome her friends, family and neighbours, who they consider "like family" into her home.

"Diwali is special because it brings the community together," added Pravin Patel, family friend and member of The Hindu Cultural Association.

Rashmi Bansal wearing a black and multi-coloured shawl with orange, red and yellow pom pom garlands hanging on the wall behind her
Rashmi Bansal has cleaned her family home for weeks in preparation for Diwali
A man hanging up Indian pom pom garlands
Homes are decorated in bright colours

Diwali symbolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance".

The date is determined by the position of the moon, and typically takes place over five days. The main day of celebrations is always on the third day, which this year falls on 31 October.

Two women decorating a fireplace with bright colours and small diyas
Rashmi's family decorate the fireplace with bright colours and diyas
A woman in a red sari standing in a kitchen with samosas in front of her
The Bansal family has prepared traditional food to share with friends and neighbours

For many families, it is weeks and weeks of preparation.

"We do a spring clean - cleanliness is really important.

"Getting rid of things which are not serving you any more," said Ms Bansal, a physiotherapist for Gloucestershire Health & Care NHS Trust.

She explained: "It's all linked with bringing something new into your house.

"We get of the old things from the house. New, positive energy will start the new year.

Pravin Patel wearing a maroon shirt, sitting at a table.
"This is the last day of our annual year and tomorrow will be the new year," explained Pravin Patel

The Bansal family have decorated their home and will be enjoying home-cooked traditional food with close friends and family.

"Our neighbours are like our family as well, so we always invite them back in the house," added Ms Bansal.

They have also lit diyas (oil lamps) and later in the evening will light firecrackers.

"Then lots of food and sweets," added Ms Bansal.

Mr Patel said: "It's a community event, all in all."

He added: "Happy Diwali!"

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