Happy Diwali! How to Celebrate the Festival of Lights in Nairobi

Diwali, Dipavali or Deepavali is one of the most awaited festivals in the Hindu calendar. It is a festival of lights and is associated with the legend of Lord Ram, which is symbolic of victory, righteousness and the alleviation of spiritual darkness.

The celebrations are symbolized by cleaning houses, workplaces, and other places where people stay and then decorated with Rangolis, flowers, and lamps. Diwali 2020 will be celebrated on Saturday 14th November. Here are ideas on celebrating Diwali in Nairobi.

Share the light with the less fortunate

A quintessential feature of Diwali is the spectacular show of fireworks and crackers. This year however, the Hindu Council of Kenya has advised against the use of fireworks (that are prohibitively expensive) and has instead urged faithfuls to "share the light" with the less fortunate by donating to charity.

Try out Diwali Family Recipes

Food is central in Diwali celebrations. From sweet treats like Mithai to savoury dishes like Paneer Tika and Aloo Bonda. Now that many families are quarantined at home, communal cooking is a great way to bond. Here are Diwali family recipes to try out.

Kids' Diwali Craft Kit

Get the kids something to keep them occupied as you decorate the house and whip up meals with a Diwali Craft kit from Riko Love Crafts. Part of the proceeds will go towards the Diwali charity drive.

Get some Heena Mehndi

Is it really Diwali if the ladies don't get decorated in Heena Mehndi? Mehndi is a form of body art and temporary skin decoration originating in ancient India, in which decorative designs are created on a person's body, using a paste, created from the powdered dry leaves of the henna plant. Here's where you can get Mehndi done at reduced prices for the holiday.

Get a Mithai Gift Box

Mithai (pronounced as mee-tie), Hindi for sweets, is one of the most important aspects of Diwali celebrations. A Diwali table is not complete without Mithai. Get a Mithai gift box that also includes 100% vegan and sugar-free options here. Some of the proceeds will go towards the Hindu council of Kenya charity drive.