Diwali – also known as the festival of lights – celebrations in Uganda are defined by rendezvous with loved ones, displays of a wide range of goods from clothes to shoes and most of all, lots of food and eating.
This year’s festival was no different as the Indian community in Uganda gathered at different venues to celebrate their festival of lights. “We have Sikhs and Jains celebrating the day. Every Indian home today is decorated and lit with lights,” says businessman Sudhir Ruparelia.
At Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo where one of the events was held last weekend, many an Indian was seen dressed their best. The women decorated in henna and looked elegant in their silk outfits.
Many activities and events were held to celebrate Diwali. Some people had their homes thoroughly cleaned because it is believed goddess Lakshmi visit every home during the Diwali period, bringing with her prosperity and good fortune and she visits the cleanest houses first. There were various lights, candles and sparklers in place.
Talking about the day, Rajiv Ruparelia says after saying prayers to the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth for a successful year, the lamps were also lit to help her find her way into individual homes.
“We are told to celebrate one of the Diwali legends, which tells of the return of Rama and Sita to Rama’s kingdom after 14 years of exile,” revealed Ruparelia.
The air was generally thick with mouthwatering sweet aroma as different cuisines were being prepared in the stalls erected at the celebration grounds.
You could have a burger or hotdog stuffed with bagiya or kebab or the most popular dish of Indian origin Chapatti.
The celebration was made exciting by Kampala Casino that offered an opportunity to gamble using Shs10,000 ($4) to win Shs1m (about $400).
Another offer was from Uganda Wildlife Authority which gave an opportunity for someone to win a Gorilla tracking permit for two to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.