Diwali is perhaps the most well-known of all the festivals observed in India and throughout its diaspora, a glittering, shimmering time of celebration and enjoyment.
Diwali marks the start of the Hindu New Year, but it’s also celebrated to welcome the goddess Lakshmi into the homes by lighting her path and inviting her to bring prosperity and good luck with her when she arrives!
It’s a time to clean the house, dress up in finery and, of course, to enjoy good food. Diwali is a time when delicious sweets and snacks are carefully made and exchanged.
You may have seen Diwali decorations and traditional clothes before, but do you know the names?
Diya: A special oil lamp made from clay, used as decoration during Diwali. The name Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali (row of lights), “deep” meaning Diya and “vali” meaning row.
Kurta: A traditional Indian dress made of cotton or silk, often in colours reflecting the Diwali celebrations.
Rangoli: A large pattern made up of colourful powders, flowers and diyas. They vary from household to household as patterns and designs are passed down through the family.
Diwali at Indian Delights & Indian Gourmet
Two very popular Indian restaurants in Playa Blanca will be celebrating Diwali in style this month, Indian Delights in the centre of town and the newly-opened Indian Gourmet on Calle Las Palmas, 4, San Marcial (next to SuperDino.)
Full of daylight, the restaurants will be illuminated further still at night and decorated beautifully with sari material, draped in gorgeous jewel colours. Staff will wear traditional Indian clothing, and guests can join in by delving in the dressing-up box.
Over Diwali, diners will receive handmade sweets to take home and enjoy as a memento of the occasion. Saraswati, the lady of the house, is an expert at these delicacies in truly authentic style.
If you want to join in the celebrations and see how Diwali is celebrated, then head over to Indian Delights & Indian Gourmet’s Facebook pages (https://www.facebook.com/IndianDelightsLanzarote & https://www.facebook.com/indiangourmetplayablanca) or telephone directly on +34 828 058 229.
