Celebration sparks joy
Our Library notes is crucial for letting you all know about library services, future events, clubs and activities coming up in the future. However, sometimes it is nice to reflect back on the week that was, especially if it was a real highlight.
I admit I am a tad biased because I was involved in helping to organise this year’s celebration of Diwali — the Festival of Light last Friday. But my enjoyment wasn’t just that it was a good event, it was that everyone came together to help orchestrate it.
The involvement from members of the Indian community who not only directed it, but chose when and what activities we did, made it an authentic Diwali experience. Not only was it great fun to help them plan and decorate for the festival, I personally learned a lot about their beliefs and traditions.
Our Indian community shared their skills and knowledge with people through mehndi art, eyebrow threading, and music from a top New Zealand Bollywood musician and DJ.
Children made Diwali lamps called diyas and experienced Diwali fireworks through the magic of virtual technology. The amazing ladies from The Library Cafe´ welcomed everyone into the
space to share and enjoy some delicious traditional Indian food. In fact, in my humble Glaswegian opinion (Tikka masala was invented by an Indian Glaswegian), Jinal and
Digi’s Butter chicken was the best I have ever tasted in New Zealand.
One of my highlights was a chance to participate in creating a beautiful Rangoli artwork using coloured rice. It is thought to bring good luck and prosperity, something we all hope for as we move out of 2020! Traditionally, for Indian people, Diwali is a private sphere of ritual, sacred performance in New Zealand. Now it helps build place, identity and community for many New Zealanders.
The public festival celebrates Indian culture and tradition provides a means of observing an important religious festival and solidifying their own sense of identity and place. But it does this for the whole community with whom they have chosen to share their culture. New Zealand has an identity of being a place of multi cultures.
Having a positive sense of who we are can be hugely beneficial for our wellbeing. Whether we are connecting with our culture, using our strengths, or simply learning to accept ourselves just as we are, fostering our sense of identity can greatly contribute to our happiness and resilience, reminding us that we all have something unique to offer.
Celebrating cultural heritage not only can boost our sense of identity and belonging for our community, it also sparks joy.