Celebrating Diwali, The Festival of Light - From History To Gifting

The word Diwali originates from the Sanskrit term Deepavali, which means “a row or series of lights.”  The festival's origins are rooted in Hindu mythology and are intertwined with the tale of Lord Rama's return to his kingdom after 14 years of exile.

To celebrate his homecoming, the people of his kingdom lit oil lamps, known as diyas, across the city, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Hence the name, Diwali - the festival of light.

In Sri Lanka, Diwali has a unique significance because of the country’s mention in the Ramayana, one of the oldest Indian epics. According to the epic, Sri Lanka was once the kingdom of Ravana, the antagonist, whose defeat at the hands of Lord Rama is celebrated during Diwali. This connection gives the festival a dual meaning, not only as a cultural celebration but also as a commemoration of shared historical narratives between India and Sri Lanka.

While Diwali is primarily a Hindu festival, it is celebrated annually with an abundance of joy and is enjoyed by many across the island. People from all backgrounds come together to participate in the celebrations, and various traditions such as;

• Cleaning & Decorating Homes; Households are thoroughly cleaned before the festival to welcome positive energies. In some cases, lotus-shaped or floral designs are often created at the entrances from rice flour to invite good fortune.
• Lighting The Diyas; Lamps are lit throughout houses to welcome blessings from the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. When visiting homes on Diwali, you will often find that the whole house is lit up from oil lamps.
• Offering Sweets; Sweets like ladoo, halwa, and other local favorites are prepared and shared with friends, family, and neighbors as a token of goodwill. Some families even host large feasts or parties to welcome abundance and share gratitude.
• Gift Giving; It’s common to exchange gifts during Diwali as a way to show appreciation and love for friends and family. It’s a tradition and is the perfect time to celebrate thoughtful gestures and new beginnings.

As we approach Diwali, here are our top 3 gift items for this festive season;

1. Sonali Dharmawardena Sarees; Choose one of Sonali’s signature batik sarees that are handcrafted and individually designed, no piece is the same - making your gift all the more special.
2. Sonali Dharmawardena Storybook Clutch; A blend of fashion and fantasy, each clutch is crafted with the utmost precision and creativity. Each one of Sonali’s clutches are mini masterpieces and make for the perfect statement piece and conversation starter!
3. Sonali Dharmawardena Wrap Skirt; Diwali is all about new and bright, Sonali’s handmade wrap skirts is the perfect attire and the perfect gift this season!