Here in the United States, most people associate the festival of lights with Christmas displays throughout November and December, but in India the festival of lights refers to one of the country’s biggest festivals – Diwali. Typically, Diwali falls in mid-October or mid-November, with the 2015 date being November 10 in South India and November 11 in North India. The festival night is indicated by the new moon night of Kartika, the Hindu Lunisolar month.
How Is Diwali Celebrated?
Diwali dates back to ancient times, and it is one of the happiest holidays in Nepal and India. Although Sikhs, Jains, and Hindus all celebrate in different ways, the one aspect of Diwali that remains the same is the symbolism of the victory of light over darkness and good versus evil. The first day of the festival is one where families prepare for the celebration, which can include not just cleaning the house, but making renovations and remodeling. Businesses are often cleaned as well. The entrances of homes are decorated by women and children, and men put up exterior light displays.
Many people go shopping for gold and silver. Diwali is one of India’s biggest shopping seasons, as one of the traditions is to wear new clothes and give gifts, especially large, expensive ones such as cars or appliances. In addition, many people give smaller gifts of food to their neighbors and loved ones, and this tradition also celebrates the harvest. Prayers are offered to the gods, and children hear the stories of the ancient traditions where good triumphed over evil or knowledge overcame ignorance.
On the second day, the house is further decorated. Colorful floor patterns that are called rangoli are placed out to adorn the home. Many regions have special bathing rituals on this day with an oil bath. Women may paint their hands with henna, and this is the day when families prepare homemade pastries for the main festival day.
Five Days of Celebration
The main festival day of Diwali is when people wear new outfits and leave the doors and windows to their homes open to Lakshmi, who is thought to roam the earth on this night. Indians invoke her name for blessings of prosperity and wealth in the year ahead. Diwali is the beginning of the new year of the Vikram Samvat calendar, so those who use this calendar close out their old year and start fresh with her blessings. Fireworks go off all over the country on this night of Diwali, to light up the sky and chase away evil spirits. Families get together to have a feast and practice fellowship.
The two days following the main festival day are just as important in the Diwali celebration. Padwa is the day for married couples, with husbands giving thoughtful gifts to their spouses. It is almost as important to the couple as their anniversary. Families again come together to honor the love and devotion between the wife and husband.
The final day of the festival is called Bhai dooj, which celebrates sibling bonds. Instead of emphasizing matrimonial bonds, this day is for brothers and sisters to remember their heritage and celebrate the bounty of the harvest. Siblings share gifts and pray for each other. Families again come together with a feast, celebrating peace and harmony.
Here in the United States
It’s estimated that there are about three million Hindus in the United States, and that doesn’t necessarily take into account the Sikhs and Jains who also celebrate Diwali. Recognize the cultural significance of this event in the Indian culture if you have co-workers who are taking time off work to celebrate this time in their tradition. Just as you want them to understand your holidays, it’s important to recognize theirs.