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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Kenya Series at SwahiliPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Kenyan holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 21. Diwali. In Swahili, it’s called Sikukuu ya Diwali. |
| The Diwali Hindu Festival, also known as the festival of light, represents an age-old celebration of the triumph of good over evil. As such, this day, celebrated in the middle of October or November, is recognized by Indians all over the world, including those in Kenya. Diwali is a national holiday, which in Swahili is sikukuu ya umma. |
| In this lesson, you will learn about how Diwali is celebrated in Kenya. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question- |
| Which religions or which people recognize Diwali? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| There are a number of goods people typically purchase in preparation for Diwali, just as they do in other major festivals. Unsurprisingly, being prepared is the first step to having a good festival! The items people usually prepare include certain kitchen items, or in Swahili vyombo vya jikoni, and several beautiful ornaments. Many Indians also bake sweets, snacks, and other different kinds of foods associated with the Diwali festival, although there is no specific food associated with the occasion. Each family has its own traditions. |
| Friends and relatives are usually invited over to enjoy each others’ company, share gifts, play games, and dance to drum beats. |
| People enthusiastically clean their houses and their places of work in preparation for Diwali, and a purification ritual, or in Swahili sherehe ya kujitakasa, takes place to drive away unwanted objects from the environment, an indication someone is ready to receive the gods. Some Indians are of the belief that Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, roams the earth in search of clean homes with open doors and windows as a sign of invitation. During the festivities, purification rituals, cleaning one’s home, and wearing new clothes are all signs meant to welcome Lakshmi. Homes are brightly lit and vibrantly decorated and windows and doors are left open to allow her to come in freely. |
| People make foot prints using rice powder or red powder as a sign that the gods are welcome. |
| On this day, people decorate the doors of their houses or places of business using traditional motifs with beautiful colors or Rangoli designs. When night comes, small kerosene lamps called diyas are lit and placed all around. Fluorescent lights, candles, fireworks, and anything else that produces light are turned on or set off, aiming to chase away the evil from the environment. These lights symbolize the knowledge or education that brings peace and takes away the ignorance and darkness that exists around us. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| Which religions or which people recognize Diwali? |
| Though the Diwali Festival is traditionally associated with Hinduism, there are a number of other religions that recognize it. These include Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. |
| So listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn something interesting? |
| Are there Indian people in your country? If yes, do they celebrate Diwali Festival? |
| Leave us a comment at SwahiliPod101.com, and we'll see you in the next lesson! |
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