13/11/2020
Tonight marks the start of the five day Festival of Lights or Diwali. It is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism, but is also special for followers of Jainism, Sikhism and for some denominations of Buddhist. Speaking on Bristol's BAME radio station Ujima Radio, a representative from the Hindu Temple in the city described “Diwali” as “like an Indian Christmas” and a festival characterised by parties, family gatherings, delicious foods and celebratory worship. If you want to get in the Diwali vibe during this period of lockdown then your local community radio might be hosting an event, or nationally, there will be a series of celebratory shows on the BBC Asian Network. Hinduism is a religion with a strong and historic recognition of gender and sexual non conformist people, despite the activities of nationalistic parties such as the BJP in India. If you want more information, then the group GALVA108 is an international network for LGBTQ and gender nonconformist Hindus.
