A Festival of Lights celebration is taking place at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Bethesda Street, Hanley on Sunday, October 26, when visitors will experience the sights and sounds of a traditional Diwali festival…
DIWALI is the Hindu festival of light and is one of the most vibrant and colourful festivals celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.
As with other religious anniversaries, this cultural festival is commemorated throughout the world and is enthusiastically celebrated by people of all nationalities, races and religions.
It generally falls within the months of October or November and is a celebration with many layers of meaning.
Traditionally it is associated with the story of the god Rama and his wife Sita, and their return from exile, but it is also linked to the celebration of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and wife of Vishnu.
The first day of the five-day festival of Diwali celebrates the birth of Lakshmi.
The third day, which is the main day of the festival, sees Diwali night – the night of the new moon – during which the goddess Lakshmi is said to come to earth.
Doors and windows are opened, and lamps are lit to welcome the goddess in and to share in the wealth and prosperity that she brings.
In many depictions of Lakshmi, she is shown accompanied by an owl upon which she rides.
In Hindu culture the owl has many attributes, both positive and negative.
As Lakshmi is also the mistress of spiritual wisdom, the owl is credited with that virtue also.
In Western culture the owl is also associated with wisdom and learning.
The green-glazed candlestick, pictured above, made by the Fenton potter William Greatbatch around 1765, is made of earthenware and moulded with owl heads below the candle socket. It would originally have been one of a pair and, after dark, would have been the only source of light in the room where it was used. To modern eyes, used to abundant electric light, candles seem to give only a dim illumination, but the moving flame of candlelight is still seen as something special and candles are still used for celebration.
People can join a celebration of the Festival of Lights on Sunday, October 26 at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Bethesda Street, Hanley, where they’ll get the chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of a traditional Diwali festival. Performances include Bollywood, drum players, and classical music and dance from the Asian continent. The event is being held in partnership with the Hindu Cultural Society and runs from 11am to 4pm.