Indians in Greystones, Dublin organized Diwali celebrations for the first time, which had a great participation of not just Indians but people from all ethnicities.
Diwali
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is an Indian festival named after the rows of oil lamps, electric lights, or paper lanterns that decorate the homes, offices, and public spaces of those who celebrate the holiday. It usually occurs in early autumn. The festival of happiness, prosperity, and light lasts five days, and this year’s festivities begin on October 22, 2022.
Diwali is the most well-known Indian holiday, but it is also observed in other South Asian countries. Other sects, such as Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, have adopted their own versions of the holiday, so the origins of the holiday vary across religions and countries.
But the common thread is the festival represents the victory of light over dark, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Diwali In Greystones
Organizing Diwali for the first time in Greystones were Indians who had settled in Greystones and Wicklow.
The support received from their community was overwhelming, including the local businesses who volunteered to assist and support in organizing this event by helping the Diwali function to become a grand success with gift coupons.
Businesses like Daata, Indian Spice Company, Happy pear, Las Tapas Greystones, Enso (Pizza), Moretti’s Greystones, Dominos Greystones, Gourmet cafe, The Source Bulk Foods Greystones, Shoe Lane, Eleven Deli, Nature’s Gold Health store, Sprout men Greystones, CrossFit Solas, Glow bottle, Be kind incense sticks, The Village Bookshop, Elite Hair & Beauty Salon were a major part of contributing to this event.
Guests
The Greystones’ city councilors, who attended addressed the community about the importance of integrating and how different communities play an important role in shaping the locals.
Lourda Scott of the Green Party, Gerry Walsh of Fianna Fáil, Derek Mitchell of Fine Gael, independent Cllr Tom Fortune, and Stephen Stokes, Ex-Cllr Jodie Neary graced the occasion, and some with their family members.
Sandra and Deodra from the community Garda were also present with the Greystones firefighter team led by Fire-Master Ciaran. Children especially loved to interact with Garda and firefighters and they had arranged surprises for them.
Team Behind The Scenes
Diwali is a festival of lights and celebrations for Indians. It frequently draws parallels to Christmas in western countries. It focuses on food, home decorations, and having fun with friends and family.
Pratiksha Kamat, one of the recently moved resident core organisers said, “One of the reasons we wanted to have Diwali was so that I could celebrate with my locals as well as the Indian community. We are grateful to the entire community, including residents, city council members, and local businesses, for their unwavering support. It feels good that not only us, but also our new neighbors, who had never seen or heard of this festival, are excited to celebrate with us.”
Ankur Tripathi, core organizer and spouse of Aditi Bidwa Tripathi, one of the newest members to come in Greystones and core organiser said, “We have recently moved to Greystones in July and we hardly know anybody here. A lot of things in Ireland revolve around the pub or the church. I go to the pub once in a while but the church is totally out of context. So I see such events as an opportunity to make new friends! We saw an overwhelming response from other community groups as well.”
Abhishek Nath, one of the old residents in Greystones and core organizer in the team said, “Diwali is one of India’s most important festivals, celebrated both at home and abroad. It is known as the Festival of Lights, and as the name suggests, we light up every corner around us at this time!! Also, as the seasons change from scorching hot summer to autumn, the nights become cooler and more comfortable, and streets, shops, and houses glow in the evenings. As expats in Ireland, we miss the festive atmosphere around this time of year. This year, we are attempting to bring the same festive spirit to Ireland, and we are excited to celebrate our first Greystones Diwali event with our local community here in Greystones; the support we have received from the local community and businesses has been tremendous, and heartwarming, and it now feels like home.”