Henna: OCAD HSC Diwali Series

Henna, also known as mehndi has been practised in South Asia and some parts of Africa, for over 5000 years. It was originally used for its natural cooling properties for the people living in hot climates, and was also used for medicinal purposes to treat such ailments as stomach aches, burns, headaches, and open wounds.

Today, Henna is mainly used in celebration of special occasions such as weddings and festivals to mark the joyous gathering of people. Henna symbolises good health and prosperity in marriage, and in some cultures, the darker the henna stain, the deeper the love between two individuals.

This piece is a part of Diwali Series for OCAD Hindu Students' Council's instagram, created with the intention to educate the audience about Hindu culture, practices and the nuances associated with the same. 

Mithai: OCAD HSC Diwali Series

India has had a long and rich tradition of sweets or ‘mithai’ being the center of every celebration. Mithai in Hindu culture signifies happiness, celebration and good omen and no festival, ceremony or occasion is complete without it. Mithai comes in endless forms and is typically made with the Ghee, Milk and Sugar. These 3 ingredients are considered to be sacred and pure, as they are Satvik; mithai is made with Satvik ingredients as it is an integral tradition to make the first offering of any sweets to God, to bless the occasion and bring in prosperity. After the offering is made, the mithai is distributed amongst people in the form of Prasad. On Diwali, people give each other sweets, as a sign of celebration, love and respect.

This piece is a part of Diwali Series for OCAD Hindu Students' Council's instagram, created with the intention to educate the audience about Hindu culture, practices and the nuances associated with the same.

Puja: OCAD HSC Diwali Series

Puja in Sanskrit means reverence, honour, homage, adoration, and worship. Puja, the loving offering of light, flowers, and water or food to the divine, is the essential ritual of Hinduism.

Diwali is considered to be the festival of lights and is celebrated as the day to light the lamp of power, knowledge and virtues within us. On Diwali Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Ganesha are worshipped. Goddess Laxmi is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity and she is worshipped for spiritual prosperity and material abundance. Lord Ganesh symbolises auspiciousness and wisdom. He is the destroyer of evils and obstacles and blesses his devotees with success. 

This piece is a part of Diwali Series for OCAD Hindu Students' Council's instagram, created with the intention to educate the audience about Hindu culture, practices and the nuances associated with the same.

Diwali: OCAD HSC Diwali Series

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most important festivals to Hindus; it symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali marks the day Lord Rama, alongside his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana, returned to his abode in Ayodhya after their 14 year exile and defeating the demon king, Ravana. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshiped on this day, as they bring in prosperity, success and good luck, while removing all obstacles from our lives. Occurring on the darkest night of Karthik month according to the Hindu calendar, Diwali is celebrated by lighting oil lamps, distributing gifts and sweets and spending time with loved ones.

This piece is a part of Diwali Series for OCAD Hindu Students' Council's instagram, created with the intention to educate the audience about Hindu culture, practices and the nuances associated with the same.

Rangoli: OCAD HSC Diwali Series

Also known as Alpana, Aripoma, or Kolam, Rangoli is an ancient art, practiced by almost all households. Rangoli are an epitome of the saying, Atithi Devo Bhavawhich means Guests are Equal to God. Rangolis are usually created on the entrances during festivals, weddings and other auspicious occasions, as a symbol of invitation and welcomeness not only for the guests, but for the Gods as well. Rangolis are a huge part of Diwali traditions in Hindu homes as they represent auspiciousness, positivity, hope, unity, and happiness within a family. 

This piece is a part of Diwali Series for OCAD Hindu Students' Council's instagram, created with the intention to educate the audience about Hindu culture, practices and the nuances associated with the same.

Diya: OCAD HSC Diwali Series

Diwali is the festival of lights, and lighting clay lamps also known as Diyas, is a very important part of the festival. Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. On this day, Hindus decorate their homes with lights and diyas, as they represent purity, goodness, good luck and power. Also, Diwali falls on the night of Amavasya or new moon day, therefore Diyas are lit so that the presence of light eliminates the darkness and weakens evil. Additionally lighting diyas, signifies a deeper meaning, where the oil in the clay lamp signifies negativity and the cotton wick represents the human soul. When the wick burns with the oil, the fire burns brightly, when the negativity burns, the soul is illuminated. 

This piece is a part of Diwali Series for OCAD Hindu Students' Council's instagram, created with the intention to educate the audience about Hindu culture, practices and the nuances associated with the same.

Dhanteras: OCAD HSC Diwali Series

This piece is a part of Diwali Series for OCAD Hindu Students' Council's instagram, created with the intention to educate the audience about Hindu culture, practices and the nuances associated with the same.

Chai Pe Charcha Event Poster