BBC NI - Schools - Today and Yesterday - Festivals - Autumn 2004

The programme is presented by 11 year old Swapnil who arrived from Bombay with his family just four years ago. In that time, much has changed; he's had to learn English for a start, but the family makes a point of trying to celebrate Divali in much the same way as they would back in India. We join him as he makes the all important list of things to do to make sure the Divali celebration goes well.

Swapnil's parents recall that fireworks and sweets in NI are very different from those in India, and that here, there isn't a public holiday for the Divali celebrations, which makes it harder to visit friends and relations.

One of the stories of how the festival of lights got its name is told by Swapnil's friend Krishan. In his tale, of deception and bravery, we find out how Sita was kidnapped by the evil Ravna, how the monkey god found her, and how the animals helped her husband Rama's little army to win. As good triumphs over evil, their path home was illuminated by little lamps, the "divas" that give the festival of light it's name.

No festival is complete without food, and a quick cookery lesson follows as Swapnil helps Nisha make his favourite Divali party food - samosas. It's more than just about eating, Nisha explains that it's about showing respect to friends and visitors.

We learn that the date of the Divali celebrations changes every year, depending on the moon, and that there are several parts to the festival. First, the celebration of joy and the parties, lovely food and gifts. The second part is the end of the old year and the start of a new one in the business world. Finally, the religious observation and for that, Swapnil takes us to Belfast's Hindu temple, where we hear of some Hindu gods and goddesses. The Pundit (priest) explains why it's important to do puja (prayers and offerings) at Divali.
Finally, we hear how other Hindus celebrate – in the Belfast temple and at a home temple.