Diwali Festival in Milan
Diwali is one of the most prominent festivals in India, celebrated globally by Hindus Sikhs and Jains. Its roots date back 2500 years. The festival is all about celebrating the triumph of good over evil. Diwali is a festival that is often represented by light and lanterns. The name itself means row of lanterns, hence how light overcomes darkness.
The festival is about embracing new beginnings, accepting the past, and forging new paths forward. This festival can be enjoyed over five days, and anyone can join in the fun! Some traditions that are followed on this auspicious occasion include making and donating sweet treats to establish a strong sense of community and to give back to it. Rangoli, which is floor art made from colourful sands, adorns households with beautiful and ornate patterns everywhere, including the lighting of candles and lanterns to welcome light into the home. Since Indian calendars operate on a lunar basis, Diwali falls on a different date every year, tending to be around the end of October to early November. This year, Diwali is on November 1st!
Milan’s Indian organization, funded by the Indian consulate, offers their very own Diwali away from home. Every year, the Indian organisation of Northern Italy arranges a festival and performance. The tickets cost 5–10 euros per person but everyone is welcome. It falls from the end of October to early November, around the dates of Diwali. Their aim is to unite Indians across northern Italy and prevent them from getting homesick! They also aim to proudly share their culture to celebrate their heritage with Italy. They also promote small businesses and support Indians abroad in their endeavors by giving them a platform to perform or sell. Each year, university students from Universita Degli Studi Milano are invited to attend and learn more about Diwali!
The event starts with performances from local artists dance and music ensues.
Indian dances such as Bharatnatyam and Kathakali are performed by professionals, followed by small one-act plays on Diwali, comedy sketches, and singing. After the cultural program finishes, guests can enjoy buffet-style Indian food from Milan’s leading Indian restaurants.
The final event is the raffle. Guests can buy raffle tickets in person at the event or at the Krishna Bazar. To find out more about this shop and its location, click here.
The raffle is a community-based activity; various attendees can donate items from their businesses or general gifts to the organization; Indian companies also donate gifts to support Indian businesses; and then those gifts are given to the raffle winner.
Every year, jewelry and plane tickets courtesy of Air India in Italy are given out. Be sure to win!
Check out the Indian Association of Northern Italy’s Facebook page for events and information:
https://www.facebook.com/IndianAssociationofNorthernItaly
Check out The Consulate General of India in Milan, Italy
https://www.facebook.com/ConsulateGeneralofIndiaMilanItaly
Their official website
Article by Asmita Thareja for Easy Milano
Featured image Indian Association of Northern Italy