Exclusively known as “the festival of lights,” Diwali is a yearly holiday that exhilarates those who celebrate it. The holiday is known worldwide for bringing people together as they shoot fireworks into the night sky, honoring the power of good over evil! The name comes from the Sanskrit word, Deepavali, which means “row of lights”. This year, Diwali falls on the 24th of October.
Depending on where you are from the reason for the celebration varies. Northern India celebrates the return of King Rama to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana by lighting rows of clay lamps. In the South, they celebrate it as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. In the East, it’s to mark the day the goddess Parvati took the form of goddess Kali to kill the demon Bakrasura. Finally in the West, the festival marks the day Lord Vishnu (the preserver) sent the Demon King, Bali, to rule the Nether world.
At the end of the day though all of India is lit up this day with diyas lined up on all the streets as it illuminates the houses where the parties are being held. The kids running around with sparklers in their hands, the dads organizing the fireworks and catching up with friends and family, and the moms finishing up last-minute cooking and setting the dinner table. In many places in India, people will gather together and light diyas on plates, to push into lakes or ponds. The sight of the water radiating from these candles is a stunning one for sure!
Moreover in America, this holiday is a great way for us first-generation Indians to reconnect with our culture and religion! It’s amazing to see our fellow friends and family, dress up in beautiful Indian clothes, and decorate the inside and outside of houses. Sitting outside with your family, drawing rangoli on the front porch and sidewalk. These exquisite patterns and designs are drawn with flour or colored powder and represent happiness, positivity, and luck.
It is believed that the rangoli along with the diyas will welcome the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi Devi, to bless everyone's family and households.
It’s an enchanting day filled with community and love. And we can’t forget about the food!
With Diwali comes many delicious sweets and snacks. Gulab Juman, Rasamulai, Mysore Pak, Kaju Katris, and multiple types of prasadham (a sweet made as an offering to the gods) fill counters and tables. Some families visit the temple on Diwali and come together to pray on this special day. Afterward, the sounds of fireworks lighting up the sky, children playing, and families reminiscing will warm the hearts of everyone around. Young girls and boys will also perform various dances and songs, sometimes even plays interpreting the stories of Diwali! Overall, this joyful, festive holiday has been a prominent part of the history of Hindus all around the world, and this year is promising to be just the same!
No matter who you are, or where you are from, you can partake in the celebrations of Diwali this year! It’s a wonderful day to have fun, spread love, and just appreciate the joy in life. We wish you a Happy Diwali!
-Saha and Nicky
Kommentare