Karwa Chauth and Diwali are significant festivals celebrated in the Indian calendar and the community is invited to attend both these festivals at Lithgow Library in October. Students from the Australian Health and Science Institute (AHSI) will be sharing the cultural experiences, traditions, and significance of the events with library visitors. A feature of both festivals will be colour, singing, dancing and, of course, food.
Karwa Chauth is a festival celebrated by married Indian women who observe fasting between sunrise and moonrise on this day to ask for the safety and long life of their husbands. Unmarried women keep the fast, wishing to get a lovely life partner. The ladies cannot eat or drink until they see the moon or the new day. As part of the festival ladies put henna on their hands, dress in new clothes and put on makeup and jewellery.
The ladies of AHSI will be hosting a Karwa Chauth festival at Lithgow Library on Wednesday 14 October 2022 at 3.30pm and invite the community to attend. Ladies may wish to have their hands painted with Henna in traditional designs and learn more about this festival.
Diwali is famously known as the festival of lights. This is the only festival which is celebrated by every Indian person, no matter what religion they follow or what race they are from. During Diwali people spruce up themselves and their homes, give food, gifts, and extra money to their helpers and servants so that they can celebrate this special day.
On the day of Diwali, people make Rangoli in front of their homes with colorful sand colors. They worship the Goddess Lakshmi and offer various sweets and money. After that they distribute food and sweets among family members and friends.
In conjunction with Grandparents Day Storytime at Lithgow Library, AHSI students will be celebrating Diwali. Our regular Storytime on Wednesday 19 October between 10am and 12pm will have both a grandparent and a Diwali theme. The children (and grandparents!) can make a Rangoli with coloured rice, try Indian food and join in the festival celebrations. However, anyone who would like to experience the festival is welcome to attend.
