Diwali: The festival of light and devotion

Have you ever heard of Diwali? Diwali is a festival of lights and is celebrated throughout India and other Hindu-influenced regions - with fairy lights, oil lamps and fireworks. Billions of people celebrate the start of a new year and the victory of light over evil. We chatted to our colleague Naisargi Shah about it and she was kind enough to give us a few details about Diwali straight from the horse's mouth.

What should never be missing on Diwali? Light - and preferably everywhere in India. Similar to what we know from the Christmas holidays, fairy lights are also lit on Diwali in India. But it's not just these that create the festive atmosphere; numerous oil lamps and candles are also lit and large fireworks displays are held. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Diwali marks the beginning of the new year - and this is duly celebrated with the five-day festival.

The impressive sea of lights over the Indian sky symbolizes a kind of victory of light over darkness and the evil associated with it. This has a religious significance above all: in the Hindu faith, it primarily celebrates the return of the divine prince Rama after his victory against Ravana, the demon king.

It is therefore a truly wonderful occasion, when many people dress up, get together with their families and celebrate, pray and enjoy delicious food together. Traditionally, desserts such as laddu, a ball-shaped delicacy made from chickpea flour and date sugar, or jalebi are on the menu. Jalebi are deep-fried wheat flour snails coated in sugar syrup.

Overall, Diwali is a time of joy, celebration and coming together with family. The colorful atmosphere beautifully reflects India's cultural diversity. We at staffitpro wish everyone who celebrates Diwali, including our Indian colleagues, a wonderful and joyous festival with an exuberant atmosphere and a great start to the new year!