Search Results for 'Ceremonial use of lights'

Last week the Indian community in and around Athlone celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights, in Monksland Community Centre. Around 100 people from both the Indian and Irish communities gathered to mark the auspicious occasion. Diwali, which marks the biggest Indian festival is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains all over India and the world. This festival is almost equivalent to Christmas in its importance to the celebrants. The date of Diwali is decided by the lunar calendar, in much the same way as the date for Easter is decided. Every year, Diwali is celebrated on the 14th lunar day when there is no moon, in late October to mid November. Again, like Christmas, it is a very happy occasion for all.