About the Festival of Lights
Picture yourself in India gathered with a group standing beside the River Ganges. A small earthenware lamp called a diya is filled with oil and lit. Unanchored, the vessel is placed in a row of other diyas and set to drift along the water. If the lamps cross the river without harm, good things will surely follow!
What is this simple experience? It is but one of many rituals in the celebration of Diwali, also known as Deepavali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. The name is taken from the ancient Indian Sanskrit term dipavali, which literally means “row of lights.”
Deepavali is a three-to-five day religious celebration held annually between late October and early November, and each day marks a different tradition.
Throughout the world, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists celebrate by decorating their homes and places of business with bright lights. It is a time when the night is set afire with sparklers and colorful fireworks.
Gambling is encouraged with the hope of great payoffs. It is a hopeful, joyful time of new beginnings where homes are given a thorough cleaning, new clothes are worn, gifts and coins are given to one another, and good food and good wishes are shared.
Are There Any Legends Behind the Celebration?
There are many legends behind this ancient, South Asian celebration, and the cultures and traditions practiced across the globe are fueled by their different stories.
In many parts of India, people adorn their homes and businesses with bright lights to guide Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, to their doors and into their homes.
The holiday coincides in West Bengal with a celebration of the feared Goddess Kali, destroyer of evil with a focus on the renewal of justice.
Other celebrations with mythical tie-ins focus on the triumph of good over evil, such as Lord Krishna’s victory over the evil King Narakaasura near Nepal, abductor of 16,000 daughters of the Gods.
Another celebrates Lord Rama’s destruction of the ten-armed, ten-headed demon King Ravana of Sri Lanka and his coronation to the throne of Ayodhya. In this latter celebration, lamps are set outside homes to welcome home the new king and his wife.
Do These Celebrations Have Any Common Themes?
At its most basic level, Diwali is a celebration of victory over evil, of light prevailing over darkness, and of knowledge overtaking ignorance. It is a time when families and friends come together in peace and harmony and joyfully celebrate that which is human.
Like most celebrations, food plays a central role and in every home and in every good Indian restaurant or South Indian restaurant sumptuous feasts are prepared for the occasion.
How Is This Five-Day Festival of Lights Celebrated in Australia?
Australia is home to some 100,000 Indians, and a majority practice the Hindu religion. For this reason, Hindu festivals celebrating Deepavali are joyful occasions in our country.
Additionally, because Australia is also home to many other faiths, cultures and ethnicities, the celebration provides a unique opportunity for Australians from all walks of life to explore and immerse themselves in Southeast Asian traditions. It is the perfect time for those new to Indian cuisine to try out a new Indian restaurant or South Indian restaurant.
One of the most popular Diwali Sydney celebrations is the Deepavali Festival organized by the Hindu Council of Australia. During this three-day celebration, visitors are introduced not only to Indian cuisine, but also to Indian goods, arts, music, henna tattoos and even the wonder of Bollywood!
Where To Find Delicious Indian Cuisine During a Diwali Sydney Festival
For the best in casual dining, a sure bet is Darbar Fine Indian Cuisine in Wentworthville, Sydney. Darbar literally translates to “the place where Kings have their meetings in King’s Court.” The takeaway is that you’ll be treated like a king.
The menu is built to satisfy even the most discerning appetites. It includes delicious vegetarian options like stuffed zucchini flowers, golden brown masala dosal rice pancakes, and more.
The veggie samosa, consisting of spiced green peas, onions and mixed vegetables wrapped in a thin pastry and cooked to perfection is a popular choice. If non-vegetarian fare is more to your liking,
Darbar Fine Indian Cuisine offers mouth-watering entrees like bamboo charcoal tuna fish, chicken tikka, and the chef’s specialty, Jal Parl Harlyall, marinated and pan-fried Tasmanian salmon fillets with turmeric, cashew paste, cumin, coriander and lemon juice.
This comfortable, welcoming restaurant also provides weekend all you can eat South Indian style buffets, specially designed to embrace the festival of Diwali. They offer both breakfast and lunch buffets, as well as a catering service to suit every party or function at any location across Sydney.
Whether your initial visit to Darbar Fine Indian Cuisine is a first-time try of Indian food or if you have a long-held love of Indian fare, you’re sure to come back. The food and service is a cut above the rest.
We look forward to celebrating Diwali with you at our restaurant!