Indian Diwali hits town
Oct 30, 2005
INDIAN music, fragrant spices, burning oil lamps, candles and scented sticks (agarbathis) filled the air as Munyonyo’s decorated lakeside was turned into a melting pot of different communities from about 15 Indian states.
INDIAN music, fragrant spices, burning oil lamps, candles and scented sticks (agarbathis) filled the air as Munyonyo’s decorated lakeside was turned into a melting pot of different communities from about 15 Indian states.
The merry crowds that moved about sampling a variety of spiced traditional Indian food, the fireworks that cracked for more than two hours, the dazzling decorations and the Indian music were befitting of the Diwali festival.
Although it is a Hindu festival, all Indian communities honour Diwali.
The festival, which is as big as Christmas for Christians, marks the end of ignorance and beginning of knowledge.
This is symbolised by the lighting of candles. According to Hindus, darkness represents ignorance, so the light is a metaphor for knowledge.
In Uganda, the celebrations were held on Saturday October 29, but according to the Indian calender November 2,is the official day of celebration.
The merry crowds that moved about sampling a variety of spiced traditional Indian food, the fireworks that cracked for more than two hours, the dazzling decorations and the Indian music were befitting of the Diwali festival.
Although it is a Hindu festival, all Indian communities honour Diwali.
The festival, which is as big as Christmas for Christians, marks the end of ignorance and beginning of knowledge.
This is symbolised by the lighting of candles. According to Hindus, darkness represents ignorance, so the light is a metaphor for knowledge.
In Uganda, the celebrations were held on Saturday October 29, but according to the Indian calender November 2,is the official day of celebration.