From adorning oneself in traditional Indian attire, lighting diyas (candles) around the house, to handing out mithais (sweets) to family and friends, the Diwali festival is widely celebrated by the Hindu population.
While Hong Kong’s biggest holidays may be Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, the traditions, customs, and festivals from the city’s diverse communities are just as fun and festive. This year, Diwali falls on 24 October 2022 – the 15th day of Kartika, which is the holiest month in the Hindu calendar. Here’s how the Hindu community celebrates the Diwali festival in Hong Kong.
Diwali festival in Hong Kong
But first, what does the Festival of Lights celebrate?
Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word, Deepavali which means a row of lighted clay lamps. The lamps, known as diyas are lit up around households, shop fronts, and temples. People also light up firecrackers and sparklers to celebrate the joyous occasion. The three major religions that celebrate Diwali include Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains but the reasons for their celebrations slightly vary.
The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil. In Northern India, they celebrate Lord Rama’s return to his kingdom, Ayodhya, after 14 years of exile by defeating Ravana (a symbol of evil). As for South Indians, they celebrate Lord Krishna’s defeat against the demon Narakasura. And on this day, Hindus hold poojas (prayers) to worship the Goddess of Prosperity, Lakshmi as the day coincides with the first day of the Hindu New Year.
Sikhs honour this day as Bandi Chhor Divas, celebrating the release of Guru Hargobind from a Mughal Empire prison. And Jains observe Diwali to mark the spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira (also known as nirvana).
How do people celebrate the Diwali festival?
When it comes to festivities, people of the Indian subcontinent know how it’s done! Diwali is celebrated over the course of five days (a little similar to the Chinese New Year). The first day, people clean their houses and may shop for gold to bring good fortune. On the second day, houses are decorated with diyas, rangolis or kolams (designs on the floor using coloured powder or sand).
Day three is the main day of the Diwali festival, marked by the Lakshmi pooja followed by feasts and passing of sweets. Day four and five are mostly for visiting families and gifting. And not to mention, ladies, gents, and kids bringing their A game when it comes to traditional attire!
In Hong Kong, although there may be no public lighting displays or parades like in some other countries (plus, we can’t light up firecrackers), people throw parties in their homes and restaurants. Indians would often distribute sweets to their coworkers (grab a bite!) and local ethnic stores lay out sweet treats near the entrance. Also, if you see ladies out and about shimmering in the street lights with their Indian attire, drop ’em a compliment and wish them a Happy Diwali!
Feasts and Diwali treats in Hong Kong 2022
1. Diwali brunch and dinner menus at Chaiwala
Hong Kong’s very own Indian enclave, Chaiwala, is paying tribute to Diwali with a week-long menu. From 19 to 24 October, you can delight in a special Diwali dinner menu while being surrounded by beautiful candles and lights. If you’re looking to celebrate during daytime, join in on the Diwali brunch parties on 22 and 23 October. The lavish feast features six small plates and tandoor for sharing, followed by a choice of rice, side dish, and curry, and an Indian Dessert Box to finish. For the ultimate brunch experience, be sure to complement your meal with a free-flow package.
Chaiwala, Basement 43, 55 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2362 8988
2. Uma Nota x Bengal Brothers Diwali evening
At 6pm on 23 October, head over to Uma Nota for its one-night-only Diwali menu, curated in collaboration with Bengal Brothers. This special menu offers Indian delicacies such as Aloo Tikki Chaat (crispy potato cutlets drizzled with pomegranate, yoghurt, and chutneys); Lamb Seekh Kebab (minced spiced lamb kebab with Awadhi spices); and treats like Mango Phirni (mango rice pudding with saffron, cardamom, and nuts). Opt for the two-hour free-flow package for cocktails and whiskeys to help wash down that spice!
Uma Nota, 38 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2889 7576
3. A variety of sweets and home decorations at Shop Easy Superstore
When you walk by Shop Easy Superstore’s Nathan Road branch, you might just underestimate the size of this supermarket! The basement-level store is filled with bundles of groceries imported from India and you guessed it – lots of sweet treats for your Diwali dessert platter. You can also pick up incense sticks and diyas while you’re there.
Shop Easy Superstore has several locations in Hong Kong.
4. Chef Palash Dreams of Diwali at Black Sheep Restaurants
To mark the occasion, Chef Palash Mitra, Black Sheep Restaurants’ Culinary Director of South Asian Cuisines, is presenting “Chef Palash Dreams of Diwali”. There are two different sets available for delivery: the vegetarian-friendly Dhanlakshmi and the more meat-centric Dhamaka. Each set is served alongside house-made raitas and papadums – a must, of course! The chef is also working with Michelin-starred New Punjab Club to deliver the Mithai Box of Sweet Dreams, a lush, pink box full of Indian sweets. Indulge in all-time favourites like kaju barfi and motichoor ladoo.
Deliveries run from 17 to 24 October. Note that you need to pre-order at least one day in advance for the meal sets.
Place your orders for Chef Palash Dreams of Diwali via Black Sheep GO.
5. Dine like rajas and ranis at Rajasthan Rifles
On 24 October, starting from 6pm, groups of four or more can reserve their table for a one-night-only feast at Rajasthan Rifles. Dig in to classic street snacks from the restaurant’s popular chaat counter, including dahi vada, methi poori, handmade samosas, and more. The curated vegetarian-focused menu, Field Marshall, will feature a number of sharing dishes such as tandoori soya shashlik, vegetable pantheras, and paneer pasanda korma. Meat lovers can go for the Brigadier menu, with highlights such as tandoor malai jhinga and butter chilli crab.
Find out more about Rajasthan Rifles’ Diwali menu.
Rajasthan Rifles, G/F, The Peak Galleria, The Peak, Hong Kong, p. 2388 8874
