Diwali
In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on October 31. Also known as Deepawali, is the Indian Festival of Lights celebrated for five days during the Hindu month of Kartika, which usually falls in either October or November of the Gregorian calendar.
The festival is observed by people who practice Hinduism, but Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs also have their Diwali traditions. It commemorates the victory of light over darkness.
Diwali is not a public holiday so schools and businesses remain open in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.
History
Being a festival of light, Diwali represents the triumph of good over evil. It is the most popular Hindu holiday among Indian communities in the United States.
The days of Diwali have an ancient history based on stories and myths of the Gods, such as the story of Lord Rama and his wife Sita returning to his people after 14 years of exile and the lights of the lamps being used to show his way home.
Or the story of the beautiful Lakshmi, Vishnu who chose to marry her, and the lamps that were used to celebrate their marriage.
The festival lasts for five days. On each day a different God is highlighted and worshiped; and each day has a different name, with different rituals and significance:
Day 1 - Dhanteras
On this auspicious day, the first of the Diwali week, people honor Yama Raj, the Lord of Death, seeking safety and peace. It’s also a tradition to purchase jewelry and gold items, especially for husbands, as a way to attract good luck and prosperity.
Day 2 - Choti Diwali
Known as 'Little Diwali,' this day is dedicated to preparing homes for the grand celebration ahead. Families adorn their spaces with decorations and lights. In various regions of India, it's also a time for cleansing rituals, including special baths and the application of traditional face masks called Ubtans.
Day 3 - Diwali
For many, this is the highlight of the festival, marking the darkest night of the lunar month. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, lighting diyas (lamps) to invite Lakshmi into their homes, bringing the hope of prosperity and wealth.
Day 4 - Bali Pratipad (Balipratipada or Padwa)
This day marks the New Year in the Vikram Samvat calendar, celebrated in parts of India and Nepal. It symbolizes good fortune and the bond between husband and wife, who exchange gifts in honor of their relationship. The God Bali is also worshiped on this day.
Day 5 - Bhai Dooj
This special day celebrates the cherished relationship between brothers and sisters. Siblings exchange gifts and sweets, enjoying a meal together to strengthen their bond.
Diwali Customs and Traditions
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During Diwali, Hindus will decorate their houses and temples with candles and lanterns to illuminate their exterior and interior. They may produce a pattern of petals and other materials, called a Rangoli, in their entrance ways.
Rangoli - a pattern of petals and other materials to decorate an entranceway.
They will dress in their newest, finest clothes. Men will wear a kurta (A traditional, smart collarless shirt) and dhoti (a traditional sarong). Women will decorate their hands and feet with patterned henna, or Mehndi.
- As a festival of merriment and happiness, there are also fireworks and family feasts where people share sweets and gifts.
- Diwali is a spiritual festival, so people offer worship (or puja) to the goddess Lakshmi, participate in prayers, and give offerings to the gods.
How to Celebrate Diwali
During Diwali over a billion people take part in the celebrations. Almost every Hindu community will hold Diwali celebrations in schools, Hindu, and Indian organizations. Commemorations involve feasts, dancing, and colorful decorations. Outside of India, large celebrations of Diwali take place in the United States, in Times Square in New York; and also in the UK, Leicester, and London.
If you liked reading this article, you might want to read Diwali Celebrations in India.
