‘Diwali is more than fireworks, it’s about gratitude’

Dev, 19, a Jain from north London, says Diwali is all about becoming more spiritual and “in tune with yourself”.

For Jains, the two-day event marks the moment when the founder of Jainism, Lord Mahavira, attained a state known as Moksha, or eternal bliss.

“Diwali is not celebrated as eating, drinking, partying. It is more focused on yourself, your own soul, your own actions. It is a time of reflection and introspection.”

During this time, Dev also fasts “to cleanse the body and remove toxins in preparation for the prayers and rituals.” He says this is done to ‘achieve liberation’ and break the cycle of reincarnation.

“We don’t use fireworks because they can damage the jeev (soul) in the atmosphere,” but instead divas are lit.