Today@Dal

Warm wishes to those in our community celebrating Diwali. May the light of Diwali illuminate your life with prosperity, peace and good health.

Visit the Office for Equity and Inclusion website for educational resources including an anti-racism 101 module, Multifaith calendar, days of acknowledgement, action and awareness and more and follow @DalHRES on Instagram. 

What is Diwali?
 

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is celebrated in communities across in India and around the world, particularly by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Sindhis. The festival takes place in the Hindu month of Kartik and is celebrated over the course of five days.

While Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and right over wrong, it also marks a time for people to renew and refresh—a time to clean, pray, hold get-togethers, feast and exchange good intentions for the future.

Many will fill their homes with sweets, the warm glow of diyas (a small lamp or candle), give gifts to family and friends, and decorate their homes with intricate patterns called rangoli (colored powder made of rice flour and flower petals).

How can we support one another during Diwali?
 

• Connect with Dalhousie’s Multi-faith Services and meet with a Spiritual Support Team Member
• Greet community members by saying “Happy Diwali”
• Be mindful if you are invited into spaces where prayer is being performed
• Respect that people may not eat meat, drink alcohol, or spend time exclusively with their family during this festival
• Be an advocate with Hindu, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist, and Sindhi peoples for fair, dignified and supportive care throughout our community

Some reflection for us all to share in as we celebrate with our neighbours...
 

• What habits, relationships and/or situations do you have that do not align with your values and goals?
• In what ways can you restore yourself, your space and your relationships for the upcoming year?
• What are you going to do this year to shine a light on knowledge, compassion and action?
• What intentions would you like to set for the upcoming year? How are you going to fulfill your goals?