Diwali is upon us once again and like many other city around the world, there'll be a number of events and opportunities to take part in this year in the Welsh capital. The five-day festival, also known as the Festival of Lights, is observed by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains the world over.
The main day of Diwali is the third day of celebrations, known as the 'day of light'. It falls on the 15th day - the day of the new moon, when the night sky is at its darkest - of the Hindu lunar month Kartik. This date depends on the position of the moon and this year it's on Monday (October 24).
Here we've rounded up the events you can still take part in this week, in Cardiff. And below, for those who'd like to read more about the festival itself.
Read more: Three Diwali recipes from top chef at Michelin restaurant to create affordable Indian feast at home
What is happening in Cardiff for Diwali?
There are still a few days of Diwali celebrations to go. The exact dates that temples and centres observe the celebrations differs widely, and is based on how they interpret the lunar calendar and when volunteers are available. Here are the details of all the major events in the capital that you can still attend:
Shree Swaminarayan Temple
The Shree Swaminarayan Temple is the oldest and largest Hindu temple in Wales and is located in Grangetown. The temple is holding events on every day of the festival, the last of these on Thursday, October 27. It is celebrating the main, third day of celebrations on Tuesday (October 25).
When? These are the timings of the main events being put on by the temple:
- Monday (October 24): this is the day the temple will observing Lakshmi Poojan. Aarti (lights offered to deities) will be performed at 6pm, followed by poojan (worship).
- Tuesday (October 25): Diwali celebrations will kick off at 6.30pm and finish at 10pm.
- Wednesday (October 26): About 500 people are expected to gather for New Year's Day celebrations between 9am and 1pm. The day will be full of rituals and food, culminating in a fireworks show at 8pm across the River Taff.
Where? 4 Merches Pl, CF11 6RD. For more information visit the temple's website.
Shree Kutchi Leva Patel Samaj Community Centre
This local Hindu community centre, which is directly adjacent to the Shree Swaminarayan Temple, has seen hundreds of families and individuals come through its doors to celebrate Diwali over the years. It will celebrate the main day of the festival this year on Tuesday (October 25).
It promises a "memorable night of dance, culture, artistry and food for the celebration of life". There will also be raffles available to buy on the night with prizes up for grabs. Festivities begin at 7pm and continue until late. There will be food, cultural shows, plays and dances, with about 500 people expected to attend.
When? Festivities begin at 7pm and end at 10pm on Tuesday, October 25.
Where? Mardy St, CF11 6QT. For more information, check out the community centre on Instagram.
Hindu Cultural Association of Wales India Centre
The majority of the celebrations held by the India Centre have already taken place in the last few weeks in the lead-up to Diwali, with a huge celebration having taken place in St Fagans National Museum of History on October 16. But for the final few days of the festival, the centre will open its doors on two occasions
When? The centre is not putting on a huge celebration on Monday, with people encouraged to stay at home for Diwali and Lakshmi Puja night, but it will welcome walk-ins from 6pm so that people can bring their offerings to Lakshmi, before heading home.
"People will pray at home, but the India Centre will welcome devotees who will bring the lamps to the temple. The priest will do personalised prayers for those people, but then it's very important to have that prayer at home" vice-president Versha Sood-Mahindra told WalesOnline.
The temple will also welcome walk-ins for the final day of Diwali celebrations, Bhai Dooj, on Wednesday from 6pm. "People will come and offer their prayers and bring their brothers, to be blessed by the priest," Versha added.
Where? Sanquhar St, CF24 2EB. For more information, you can follow the India Centre on Instagram.
Desi Divas' annual Diwali special
If you're looking for something a little different, the return of this annual Diwali party in a late-night cocktail bar might pique your interest. Attendees can sing their hearts out to Desi, Bollywood and urban tunes from a host of DJs, and the Diamond Dholis (a local Asian drumming group) will give a live performance. Tickets are from £11 and can be purchased here.
When? The party kicks off at 10pm on Wednesday, October 26, and finishes at 3am
Where? Ten Mill Lane, CF10 1FL.
Cardiff University Sikh Society
If you're a student looking to celebrate Diwali while away from home, you might want to check out this event by Cardiff University's Sikh Society. Attendees will take a trip to a local Sikh Gurdwara, and will be treated to a fireworks display later on. For more details, message the organisers here.
When? This event starts at 6pm on Monday, October 24.
Where? The night begins at Sikh Gurdwara Cardiff on Pearl St, CF24 1RD
More about Diwali
The festival generally symbolises the victory of light over darkness or good over evil, but it means different things for different people depending on their religious beliefs and where they live. In Hinduism, Diwali is most commonly associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good fortune. Small oil lamps (called diyas) are lit on the night of the new moon to invite her presence.
But for Hindus in North India, for example, it also marks the return of Lord Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after their 14-year exile. For Hindus in Gujarat, Diwali is the last day of the year. In Sikhism, it commemorates the release of the sixth guru Hargobind Singh from prison in 1619, while Jains celebrate it as the moment their founder Lord Mahavira reached a state of eternal bliss or nirvana.
The names of the five days of the festival - and what happens on each day - varies by region and tradition, but this is the general pattern, along with the general dates for this year:
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Saturday, October 22: Dhanteras (day of fortune). Adherents kick off the festival on this day by cleaning and decorating their homes (such as with rangoli at the entrances - patterns created on the floor with items like flower petals and coloured rice), buying gold items (typically jewelry) and worshipping Lakshmi.
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Sunday, October 23: Naraka Chaturdashi, (day of knowledge) also known as Choti Diwali or Kali Chaudas. This day commemorates Krishna's defeat of the demon Narakasura. People perform early morning rituals - such as an oil bath before sunrise - and pray for the souls of their ancestors.
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Monday, October 24: Diwali (day of light), also known as Lakshmi Puja - festivities reach their peak on this day, which is the last day of the Hindu year. Worshippers seek to receive the gifts and blessings of Lakshmi. Fireworks are set off, diyas are lit and placed in rows in temples and houses, and windows and doors are left open to welcome the goddess.
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Tuesday, October 25: Annakut (New Year's Day), also known as Balipratipada or Goverdhan Puja. This day marks Krishna’s defeat of Indra, the king of the gods,and is also the start of the new year in the Hindu calendar, according to the Encylopaedia Britannica. Mountains of vegetarian food are piled high for Krishna at Hindu temples.
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Wednesday, October 26: Bhai Dooj (day of love between siblings), also known as Bhai Tika, or Bhai Bij. This day, which marks the end of Diwali, sees brothers and sisters exchange gifts and blessings. A sister provides her brother with a meal in her home and pray for his wellbeing, while the brother offers her money or a gift in return.
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