What You Need to Know about Diwali

This year’s Diwali festival kicked off on October 24. It usually lasts five days, so as long as you read this before October 29th, we’re in Diwali!

At its core, Diwali is a festival of lights that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is a major festival celebrated by Hindus (although Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhist traditions have their own versions). Diwali is one of those festivals that moves within the Western calendar because its specific timing is determined by the Hindu calendar - it specifically occurs within the lunisolar month of Kartika.?

Note for all of us who don’t speak Hindi: it’s pronounced DEH-VALL-EE.?

Since our readership is mostly in North America and Western Europe, you’re likely encountering Diwali celebrations of the Indian diaspora. For that population, Diwali is a significant cultural and religious event across several religious traditions, so don’t be surprised if your local Sikh or Jain temple has a Diwali festival.?

Largely connected with the goddess Lakshmi (goddess of prosperity), there’s a lot of things to do with light and color during Diwali. Houses are decorated with rangoli, pujas (worship festivals) are held, people wear their finest clothes, and there is no shortage of feasts or fireworks.?

I (Dr. Kristen) have had the privilege of going to a few Diwali celebrations over the years, and my favorite was in Belfast. As an outsider, what marks Diwali for me is the sheer joy that permeates everything. It’s five days where we celebrate the surety that light and love always win. No matter how dark things get, no matter how tragic our personal lives are, the story of the universe is one that marches towards equity, love, light, and hope.?

If you aren’t near a diasporic or native celebration, have some sweet treats this week, light some candles, dress in your favorite outfit, and give yourself some space to celebrate goodness, light, and knowledge.?

For a look inside Diwali preparations for one Virginia family, head HERE.