Diwali at Basildon Park
Visit Basildon Park, 26 October to 3 November, to see a large scale rangoli artwork in celebration of Diwali.
Local artist, Rohit Rajaguru, will create a large scale rangoli in the Green Drawing Room in celebration of Diwali. Each rangoli Rohit creates at Basildon Park is unique, and this year’s piece will draw inspiration from elephants and lotus flowers.
Artwork will be created on 26 October and displayed until 3 November.
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Please check in at visitor reception, you will then be directed to the mansion entrance.
Artwork is displayed in the Green Drawing Room and can be experienced as part of your visit to the mansion.
Basildon Park estate office
Rangoli
Rangoli is a delightful art form that comes from the Indian subcontinent, where beautiful patterns are made on the floor or a tabletop using materials like powdered lime stone, red ochre, dry rice flour, colourful sand, quartz powder, flower petals, and colourful rocks.
During Diwali, the purpose of creating Rangolis is to warmly welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, into your home.
The term Rangoli, which means rows of colours, is joyfully drawn at the entrance and filled with vibrant colours during Diwali.
The designs are crafted using just your thumb and forefinger.
Diwali
Diwali is a Hindu festival of lights, and it’s also celebrated in various ways by other Indian religions.
It represents the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
The term Diwali actually means ‘rows of lighted lamps’
For Hindus, this special holiday brings to mind the heartwarming return of Prince Rama of Ayodhya with his wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshman, after a long 14-year exile and a victorious battle.
The people of Ayodhya lit lamps to brighten their way through the darkness.
For Jains, Diwali carries a different yet significant meaning.
It marks the day when their last Tirthankara, Lord Mahavira, achieved nirvana, which is the ultimate state of knowledge and enlightenment.
He set the path of dharma that Jains everywhere follow.
And for Sikhs, Diwali is a story of courage and freedom.
It commemorates the victory of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, who escaped Emperor Jahangir’s imprisonment in 1619, bringing with him 52 other princes, showcasing his incredible spirit.
Diwali is celebrated with joy through worship, sharing of tasty sweets, bright fireworks, and vibrant lights.
Although the stories might differ from one region to another, the core meaning stays the same: it’s a time for everyone to celebrate the light within and the truth of existence.
Rohit miguel Rajaguru
A professional rangoli artist based in London and Kent with 27 years of experience in creating traditional as well as modern rangoli designs for local and international clients.
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