Celebrating Diwali

Deepavali or Diwali is also known as the “Festival of Lights.” It is a Hindu holiday widely celebrated in India, in South Asia, and throughout other Hindu communities, including here in the San Francisco Bay Area. Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and people of Indian heritage and non-Indian heritage around the world.

According to the Hindu American Foundation, the word ‘Deepavali’ derives from Sanskrit and means “row of lights.” People celebrate Diwali by lighting candles, illuminating lights and lamps, and lighting firecrackers “to symbolize the victory of good over evil, inner light over spiritual darkness, and knowledge over ignorance” (Hindu American Foundation).

This year, Diwali will be celebrated on October 31st and it will be “a time for gathering with loved ones, celebrating life, and committing to making the right decisions in life” (Hindu American Foundation).

Five days of Observance

According to this National Geographic Kids article, Diwali: Festival of Lights, Diwali is celebrated over five days:

DAY ONE: People clean their homes and shop for gold or kitchen utensils to help bring good fortune.

DAY TWO: People decorate their homes with clay lamps and create design patterns called rangoli on the floor using colored powders or sand.

DAY THREE: On the main day of the festival, families gather together for Lakshmi puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi, followed by mouth-watering feasts and firework festivities.

DAY FOUR: This is the first day of the new year, when friends and relatives visit with gifts and best wishes for the season.

DAY FIVE: Brothers visit their married sisters, who welcome them with love and a lavish meal.

This holiday is a very important holiday, and one of the most important holidays in the year for those who celebrate. As always, stay curious and respectful around the holiday season. This should be a lovely time to refresh, gather, celebrate, and well-wishes for the new year!

Want to learn more about Diwali? Check out these books available from the library, opens a new window

Contributed by Daniela Leyva