Happy Diwali 2021
“Diwali is the festival of lights and marks the start of the Hindu New Year.
Long ago there was a great Warrior Prince called Ram. He was married to a beautiful Princess called Sita. Sita was kidnapped by the demon King Ravan. He had 10 heads and twenty arms! Ram had to rescue her with help from the monkey God (Hanuman). There was a fierce battle, but Ram finally defeated Ravan with a magical golden arrow and saved Sita! The villagers lit lamps to help them find their way home.
Diwali means ‘Row of lights’.
Diwali also honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good fortune. Lamps are lit to help Lakshmi find her way into people’s homes and to welcome good fortune. The festival is also celebrated by cleaning the home, wearing new clothes, preparing festive meals and exchanging gifts of sweets.”
Sanjay Verma, Finance Applications Analyst
Eloise Wilson, Senior Communications Executive, ÃÛѨÊÓƵ