Fuerteventura’s Hindu community celebrates Diwali with events in Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste and Morro Jable

The glow of hundreds of small lamps lit in homes, colourful sarees and traditional outfits, Bollywood rhythms and the aromas of Indian cuisine are all part of Diwali, one of the most important celebrations in Hindu culture, which is also being marked in Fuerteventura this November.

Celebrations began this past Saturday in Corralejo, will continue on 14 November in Caleta de Fuste and will reach Morro Jable on the 28th, bringing families and friends together for a tradition that symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

Diwali has a special significance on an island such as Fuerteventura, where the community of Indian origin has been established for decades and where new generations, born and raised in the Canary Islands, are taking on the responsibility of preserving the customs their parents and grandparents brought from India.

For these young people, the Festival of Lights is an opportunity to maintain their connection with their roots, share their cultural identity and pass on to future generations traditions that have endured far from their country of origin.

For Janvi Gianchandani, a young Canarian of Hindu origin, Diwali is also a way of explaining who she is. “Being Canarian and of Hindu origin is an enormous source of richness. Growing up between two cultures has taught me to see the world with greater sensitivity and respect, and to feel part of two worlds at once. That is why I experience Diwali from a different perspective: as someone who has India at home and the Canaries in her heart. Being able to share these moments with Canarians, who come along with curiosity and warmth, is something very special, original and unique, because this mix only happens here. It is a pleasure to see how Canarians view this culture from their own perspective, and to bring more people into this setting so they can learn about these celebrations and take part in them,” she explains.

It is also “a clear invitation to Fuerteventura residents to come along and learn about these customs, which help bring the community together”, say organisers and business owners Vikas Arora, Denis Sadhwani, Kunal Chhabra and Manoj Gianchandani.

A night of Bollywood music and Indian flavours in Caleta de Fuste

The next event will take place on Saturday, 14 November, at Bambú nightclub in El Castillo, Caleta de Fuste, which is preparing to welcome the colour, music and joy of India with its Diwali Bollywood Night.

Striking sarees, brightly coloured traditional outfits, Bollywood rhythms and Indian cuisine will take centre stage at an evening that will begin at 21.30 and continue until 4.00 in the morning.

It will be a chance to lose yourself in music and dancing, share traditions and enjoy Diwali’s festive spirit at an event open to people from different cultures. Representatives of the island’s institutions will also attend.

The celebration is being organised in collaboration with Shivam Restaurants, a chain linked to Indian cuisine since 2013. It aims to share with Fuerteventura residents the cultural richness of a community that has been part of the island for generations.

Five days celebrating light, prosperity and family

Diwali has its roots in Hindu religious and cultural tradition, although it is also celebrated by other religious communities in India. Its meaning is linked to spiritual renewal, hope and prosperity.

Traditionally, the festival takes place over five days. It begins with Dhanteras, dedicated to good fortune and health, and continues with Chhoti Diwali, which recalls the victory of the god Krishna over the demon Narakasura.

The main day, which fell this past Sunday, centres on Lakshmi Puja, when families light small oil lamps known as diyas to honour Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. Homes are illuminated, sweets and gifts are shared, and families gather to celebrate.

The final two days are dedicated to Govardhan Puja, associated with divine protection, and Bhai Dooj, which celebrates the bonds between siblings.

In Fuerteventura, these celebrations provide important opportunities for different generations to come together.

After the events in Corralejo and Caleta de Fuste, Morro Jable will host another Diwali gathering on 28 November, extending the Hindu community’s festivities in Fuerteventura.