Research on Diwali and Interculturalism

Diwali (Festival of Lights)

Diwali is one of the biggest and most significant religious celebrations in the world, with
more than a billion people celebrating the festival (Singh, 2019). The name is derived from
the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning “row of lights” (Britannica, 2022). Diwali celebrates the
victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Observances
of Diwali include prayer, feasts, fireworks, gatherings with family, and giving to charity
(McKeever, 2022). Diwali, also known as Dipawali or the festival of lights, is a Hindu national
holiday observed as the beginning of the year during the Kartika month of the Vikram
calendar (Harmon, 2022).

Diwali is a festival mainly celebrated by Hindus. Hinduism is a religion over four thousand
years old that began in India. They believe in one god named Braham. They pray to many
god or goddesses who are forms of Braham (Jones, 2018). Hinduism has many variations in
India. Therefore it might be challenging to identify the traits that all followers of the religion
have in common. The festival of Diwali is one aspect of Hinduism that is shared across the
majority of its variations.
Diwali is celebrated over five days. The first day of Diwali known as Durvasas is dedicated
purchasing small gold items and to the cleaning of homes. The second day of Diwali
commemorates Krishna’s destruction of Narakasura. Day three is the main day of the Diwali
festival and it is dedicated to Lakshmi Puja. This is where families light diyas, candles, and
fireworks and visit temples. The fourth day is known as Goverdhan Puja, Balipratipada, or
Annakut. This day commemorates Krishna’s defeat of Indra. It is also the first day of Karttika
and the start of the new year in the Hindu calendar. Finally, the fifth day celebrates the
bond between brothers and sisters and is now as Bhai Dooj, Bhai Tika, or Bhai Bij
(Britannica, 2022).

Diwali celebrations vary according to area and culture. The most common habit among
Hindus is to light diyas (little earthenware lamps filled with oil) on the night of the new
moon to attract the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Diyas are lit and arranged
in rows along the parapets of temples and residences during the festival, then let adrift on
rivers and streams (Britannica, 2022). Diwali is a festival known for gift-giving and exchange.
Sweets and dried fruit are  quite popular as gifts (BBC, 2010). Lanterns are lit during Diwali
to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, into people's homes (Sims, 2016).

Rangoli, complex designs constructed of coloured rice, sand, or flower petals, is used to
decorate homes and cover floors indoors and out. House doors and windows are left open
in the hope that Lakshmi will enter and bless the people with money and
success (Britannica, 2022).
Interculturalism

Over the last few decades, the concept of interculturalism has been more prevalent in
philosophical, political, and public debates on diversity concerns. This leads to the question
on what is interculturalism and why is important in today’s society (Verkuyten,
Yogeeswaran, Mepham, & Sprong, 2020). Interculturalism is the exchange of ideas and
knowledge between cultures in order to promote understanding, equality, peace, and
justice in a diverse society. With interculturalism, people exchange knowledge and actively
explore the historical and cultural settings that influence how people develop as individuals.
An intercultural setting is one in which there are genuine and meaningful exchanges of
information about each person's unique experiences that transform all those engaged
(Ponciano & Shabazian, 2012).

The diagram below display three key points regarding intercultural understanding. These
include the ability to recognise culture and to develop respect. The ability to interact and
empathise with others. Finally, to reflect on intercultural experiences and take responsibility
(Australian Curriculum, 2017).

 
Interculturalism is important in schools. Intercultural education is education that accepts,
acknowledges, and celebrates diversity in all aspects of the human life as normal.
Intercultural education consists of creating a welcoming school culture, educating in the
classroom, and building positive relationships. Intercultural events in both primary and post
primary schools is extremely important to celebrate diversity and combat discrimination
throughout the school community (Hegarty & Titley, 2013).
NCCA encourage a more comprehensive understanding of ethnic minorities and their value
to society. However, guidelines as the name suggests are not enforceable and there has not
been a significant effort for teachers to receive intercultural training (Bryan , 2010). If
preparing young people for the challenges of modern life is the primary goal of education,
then intercultural education is a crucial step in that process. Intercultural education is not a
new subject that needs to be introduced to the curriculum or require additional content to
be taught in any one subject. It is a method of teaching that may be used to all school
subjects (NCCA, 2006).
 

References
Australian Curriculum, A. a. (2017). Intercultural Understanding. Retrieved from Australian
Curriculum: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/general-
capabilities/intercultural-understanding/
BBC. (2010). Diwali. Retrieved from BBC:
www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/holydays/diwali.shtml
Britannica, T. E. (2022). Diwali, Hindu festival. Retrieved from Britannica:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Diwali-Hindu-festival
Bryan , A. (2010). Corporate multiculturalism, diversity management, and positive
interculturalism in Irish schools and society. Irish Educational Studies , 253-269.
Harmon, A. (2022). Diwali. Salem Press Encyclopedia.
Hegarty, T., & Titley, A. (2013). Intercultural Events in Schools and Colleges of Education.
Honohan, I., & Rougier, N. (2016). Tolerance and Diversity in Ireland, North and South.
Manchester: Manchester University Press.
Jones, G. (2018). Diwali. Weigl Publishers.
McKeever, A. (2022). Diwali is India’s most important holiday—and a celebration of good
over evil. National Geographic.
NCCA. (2006). Interculturalism Education in Post-Primary School. Retrieved from National
Council for Curriculum and Assessment.
Ponciano, L., & Shabazian, A. (2012). Interculturalism: Addressing Diversity. Dimensions of
Early Childhood, 40(1), 23-29.
Sims, A. (2016). What is Diwali? When is the festival of lights? Retrieved from Independent:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/diwali-what-is-the-festival-of-
lights-and-when-is-it-celebrated-a6720796.html
Singh, S. J. (2019). Diwali takes on different meanings for those celebrating. The Washington
Post.
Verkuyten, M., Yogeeswaran, K., Mepham, K., & Sprong, S. (2020). Interculturalism: A new
diversity ideology with interrelated components of dialogue, unity, and identity
flexibility. European Journal of Social Psychology, 50(3), 505 - 519.