Diwali
Diwali celebrations begin on October 31, 2024, the 13th day after Poornima, or the full moon. Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, is a combination of the words dhan, which means “wealth” and teras, which means “thirteenth day”. Marking the beginning of the 5-day celebration of Diwali or Deepavali (from Sanskrit, which means row of lights), it is the Hindu New Year.
It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, enlightenment, and freedom for millions of Hindu families across the globe.
An integral part of Hinduism, Diwali commemorates the significance of Amavasya Tith which is believed to be the day that Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Lord Ravana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting thousands of diyas (oil lamps made of clay) on all the roads and houses. This cultural tradition continues today as families decorate with marigold garlands and illuminate their homes and communities in joyous celebrations. “King Ravana represents the evil force and Lord Rama represents the good force. Hence, Deepavali is celebrated as the triumph of good over evil.” (Hinduismfacts.org) It is a festival of joy!
India Times has stated that Diwali is one of the most important festivals in India and it is also celebrated in various religions including Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, marking important events in their traditions in countries such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Fiji. For some followers of the Buddha, Diwali celebrates the conversion of Emperor Ashoka to Buddhism. This very special holiday commemorates the achievement of Nirvana by the supreme preacher of Jainism, Mahavira. And in Sikhism, Diwali is a celebration of the release from prison of the 6th Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji. In remembrance of his return, people lit the way to the Golden Temple with candles.
The warmth of family is felt as homes are lit with diyas representing purity and good luck. Beautiful ornamental and colorful patterns called Rangoli are made with sand, flowers, or rice to decorate the floors of the home, traditional clothes are worn, and special gifts are given to spread love, joy, and happiness. “Lighting of Diyas and candles all around the house, worshipping the Laxmi Ganesha to summon health and wealth and bursting crackers are the chief rituals of the festival.” (Diwalifestival.org)
Food, as we all know, is an important part of many celebrations around the world. Diwali is no exception! Sweets such as chirote (dessert pastries), karanji (stuffed pastry pockets), samosas (pastry triangles filled with lentils and vegetables), and laddoos (ball shaped sweets made with coconut, chickpea flour and wheat semolina) are served.
Here are some resources to learn about and celebrate Diwali:
- Reading books about Diwali:
My Diwali Light by Raakhee Mirchandani
Shubh Diwali by Chitra Soundar
Let’s Celebrate Diwali by Anjali Joshi
Let’s Celebrate 5 Days of Diwali by Vivek Kumar, Ajanta Chakraborty
- Checking out some family websites:
- https://www.diwalifestival.org/
- From the Hindu American Foundation: https://www.hinduamerican.org/diwali#what
- https://diwalifest.ca/
- Smithsonian Museum of Asian Art: https://asia.si.edu/whats-on/events/celebrations/diwali/
- Celebrations:
- In Natick at the Common Street Spiritual Center, there is a Diwali Celebration on Sunday, October 27th: https://commonstreet.org/event/annual-diwali-celebration-2/
- The Babson India Graduate Club is hosting an event in Wellesley on Friday, Nov. 1: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/diwali-celebrations-tickets-1033843893917
Did you know? Diwali is one of the biggest holidays of the year and it dates back over 2500 years!
“The city of Leicester, in the United Kingdom, holds the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India. Every year, tens of thousands of people gather in the streets to enjoy vibrant shows of light, music and dancing!” (National Geographic Kids)
To all our families and friends celebrating this joyous holiday, “May bliss fill your home with every diya that is lit on Diwali!”
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