Festival of Lights
Diwali, Deepawali or Dipawali is India’s biggest and most important of all Hindu celebrations, it is the festival of light, love and joy. The festival gets its name from the row (avail) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.
This five-day festival is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartika and therefore changes every year, but it usually falls in late October or early November. Historically, Diwali can be traced back to ancient India and is believed to have evolved as a fusion of the many harvest festivals in the area.
All of the rituals of Diwali have a significance and a story behind them. Homes are illuminated with lights and firecrackers fill the skies as an expression of respect to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity.
Diwali is different from many other Indian festivals in that there is no fasting, but instead feasts celebrating the seasonal bounty. The third day of the festival is the biggest, when people visit family and friends to feast and exchange sweets and gifts.
Diwali Menu
Celebrate this beautiful festival with your residents this year with the following ideas, some of which feature recipes created by Maple Leaf.
APPETIZERS
Bhaji (Southern Indian name) or Pakora (Northern Indian name) – Made from various vegetables like onion, spinach and cabbage mixed with a chickpea flour and spice-based dough and fried.
Samosas – Little parcels of pastry filled with vegetables
ENTREES
Diced Turkey Korma, featuring Maple Leaf Cooked Diced Turkey
Piri Piri Styled Turkey, featuring Maple Leaf Cooked Diced Turkey
Cold Chicken Curry Salad, featuring Maple Leaf Boneless Chicken Thigh
Chicken Masala, featuring Schneiders IQF Chicken Drumstick
Butter Chicken Dippers, featuring Mina Natural IQF Chicken Tenders
Lemon Ginger Spiced Chicken Thighs, featuring Maple Leaf Boneless Chicken Thigh
DESSERT
Rice Kheer – A type of Rice Pudding flavoured with cardamon, saffron, raisins and/or various nuts
Theme Day Activities
Be sure to incorporate some of the traditional symbols of Diwali in your celebration!
Ganesha – Have photos and an explanation of Ganesha, one of the most popular Hindu deities.
Mindful Session – For activity ideas, why not invite your residents to a mindfulness session or have them colour Rangoli designs.
Bindi – Invite your residents to learn more about Bindi and what it represents.
Decorations – Decorate with lotus flowers, peacock feathers and oil lamps.
