Deepavali, or Diwali, is one of the major festivals celebrated by Indians across the world. Tamil Sangam in Luxembourg is hosting a Deepavali celebration.

Deepavali, a festival of lights, usually lasts multiple days and is celebrated between mid-October and mid-November. One of the most popular Indian festivals, it symbolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.". Deepavali is celebrated also together with fireworks across the globe.

On 30 October, Tamil Sangam Luxembourg is hosting a day event in Cultural centre Tramschapp to celebrate the festival.

In the lead-up to Deepavali, celebrants will prepare by cleansing, renovating, and decorating their homes and workplaces with oil lamps and rangolis (colourful art patterns). During the festival, people wear their traditional clothes, illuminate the interior and exterior of their homes with lights and rangolis, light fireworks, and partake in family feasts where sweets and gifts are shared.

Tamil Sangam expect up to 250 guests at the Cultural Center in Tramschapp for the event, who are encouraged to dress in traditional south Indian attire. We have planned various cultural events including songs, dance performances by children and adults, various games, and a lunch with more than ten traditional South Indian dishes. The event is also open to non-members, with around a quarter of attendees expected to be non-members.

You can find more details and register for the event here.

RTL

© Tamil Sangam Luxembourg

Association Seceratary Easwara Ananth said:

"Normally we celebrate these major festivals with the Tamil community in a commune hall where more than 200 people attend. In the last few years, Covid-19 has restricted such a free celebration with masks/distancing etc.. This year we are eager to host an event where members can freely interact with native friends as well as good opportunity for non-members to explore and rejoice Tamil culture."

Tamil Sangam Luxembourg (TSL) was registered in 2018 to represent over 300 families from the state of Tamil Nadu in India who live in the Grand Duchy. It also includes some Luxembourgish members who are interested in the culture and language.

In addition to celebrating important Tamil festivals such as Pongal, Deepavali, and the Tamil new year, TSL teach children about Tamil traditions, culture, and language. It also aims to share Tamil culture with the local community in Luxembourg, thereby aiding cultural integration.