India: Diwali Lights
As 2018 comes to a close, it is time to celebrate all we have accomplished this year. At Alicante’s luxury hotel Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, everything is ready to kick off the holiday season.
Let us take you on a journey to vibrant, colourful India this Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Join us in welcoming the New Year with the celebration of Diwali, the Indian New Year. Asia Gardens & Thai Spa brings this unique holiday to its gardens, pools and restaurants for you to experience India’s biggest celebration in an exclusive setting.
INDIA: DIWALI LIGHTS
Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is the most widely celebrated festival in India. It marks the start of the Hindu new year and is a symbol of new beginnings. It takes place every year between the months of October and November, in accordance with the lunar calendar, and lasts 5 days. This year it fell on 6th November. This major festivity is enjoyed by several religions across India: Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. Diwali is also observed in other countries, such as Nepal, Singapore and Malaysia.
Diwali marks the start of the New Year in India and is a symbol of new beginnings.
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The Festival of Lights in India celebrates the return of Lord Rama and his wife Sita to their kingdom in northern India after having defeated king Ravana, and honours the victory of good over evil. According to legend, the inhabitants of the kingdom put up lamps along walls and rooftops for Rama to find his way back home easily.
THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: SYMBOLISM AND TRADITION
Diwali is charged with symbolism and tradition. It highlights the need of human beings to advance towards the light of truth in order to ensure the victory of virtue—the triumph of light over darkness. This is represented by the small earthenware oil lamps, called diyas, that are lit up at dusk and the firework displays that light up the night sky to keep evil spirits away. Candles traditionally remain lit throughout the night to guide good fortune and luck into people’s homes. This spectacle of light and colour makes Diwali one of the most festive nights of the year.
Diwali also pays homage to Lakshmi, wife of Vishnu and goddess of beauty and good fortune. The queen of the festival, Lakshmi brings prosperity and wealth.
At Diwali it is common in India to create stunning floating arrangements with flowers and candles, and send paper boats adrift on sacred rivers. It is believed that the farther away they go, the greater the happiness in the coming year.
Food has a special place during the festivities. It is a great opportunity to organize banquets filled with popular Indian sweets and delicacies, such as malpua, karanji or soan papdi.
LIGHTS OF DIWALI AT ASIA GARDENS HOTEL & THAI SPA
Join us at Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa for this joyous festival where light is the protagonist. Celebrate the Festival of Lights with us and experience the traditions and luxury of Southeast Asia.
Asia Garden Hotel & Thai Spa is the ideal setting to celebrate one of the most special nights of the year. Our gardens, a true tropical paradise, our infinity pools, two of which are heated at 28ºC, and our fine gastronomy masterly merging the original flavours of Asia and those of traditional Mediterranean and international dishes will take centre stage during your stay.
To complete your experience at Asia Gardens, we offer a wide-ranging programme of activities that includes, in addition to accommodation and breakfast, an exquisite welcome cocktail and an invitation to attend our Grand New Year’s Eve Dinner with live performances, free bar, and DJs on 31st December; as well as a special New Year’s Day brunch on 1st January 2019.
Start off the New Year at Asia Garden Hotel & Thai Spa and enjoy an unforgettable experience surrounded by the luxury of Southeast Asia on the shores of the Mediterranean.
