'Diwali Ki Hardik Shubhkamnaye': Israeli Envoy Links Festival of Lights to Hanukkah
Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar shares a heartfelt Diwali message, drawing parallels between the Hindu Festival of Lights and Jewish Hanukkah.
In a heartwarming gesture of cultural diplomacy, the Ambassador of Israel to India, Reuven Azar, has extended his warmest Israeli envoy Diwali greetings to people across India and the globe. Taking to social media, the envoy highlighted the profound spiritual similarities between the Hindu festival of Diwali and the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, emphasizing a universal message of hope.
A Shared Message of Light Over Darkness
Ambassador Reuven Azar shared his wishes via a post on X, where he drew a poignant parallel between the two "Festivals of Lights." He noted that both traditions celebrate the victory of righteousness and light over the forces of gloom and evil.
"Diwali, the Festival of Lights, symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. In Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, we say that just as one small candle is enough to overcome great darkness, even a small amount of goodness can help overcome great evil," the Ambassador stated.
Concluding his message with a touch of local flavor, he added, "Diwali Ki Hardik Shubhkamnaye to all celebrating in India and around the world."
Diplomatic Warmth and Nostalgia
The festive spirit was echoed by the Embassy of India in Israel, which reached out to Indian citizens and friends of India living in Israel. The Embassy wished for the festival to bring hope, positivity, harmony, and prosperity to everyone's lives, calling for a bright and beautiful celebration.
Adding a personal touch to the occasion, Maya Kadosh, the current Ambassador of Israel to Hungary and former Deputy Ambassador to India, expressed her deep nostalgia for her time in the country. She recalled the vibrant colors and lights of the Indian celebrations and the lasting friendships she forged during her tenure.
Kadosh shared that regardless of the distance, the occasion of Diwali makes her long for a return to India, noting that the warmth of the people made the country feel like home.
The Grandeur of Diwali Celebrations
Diwali, observed on the new moon night (Amavasya) of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, is a five-day extravaganza of faith and joy. The celebrations follow a specific sequence of auspicious days:
- Dhanteras: The commencement of the festivities on November 6.
- Choti Diwali: Observed on November 7.
- Lakshmi Puja: The main event on November 8, where homes are illuminated with diyas and prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
- Govardhan Puja: Celebrated on November 9.
- Bhai Dooj: The final day of the festivities on November 10.
The festival is traditionally characterized by the lighting of oil lamps, the creation of intricate rangoli patterns, and the sharing of sweets among family and friends, symbolizing a fresh start and the prevalence of goodness.