What is Diwali? 

Diwali or Deepavali is a festival celebrating the victory of light over darkness and it marks the beginning of a new year. It is celebrated because Rama (Hindu God) came back from His exile after defeating the demon king Ravana. When Rama came back to His kingdom, His people lit diyas (lamps) that represent hope for a bright and prosperous future. It is celebrated around the Hindu Lunisolar calendar, but usually falls around the fall season. The rituals last 5 days but the actual date this year is October 31, 2024 to November 1, 2024. Every year, due to the lunar calendar, the date changes. 

How do people celebrate Diwali? 

Jains, Sikhs, and Hindus all celebrate Diwali differently. Mostly, everyone does a pooja (ritual) during the day of Diwali and some poojas leading up to it. People light up their homes with diyas to represent light and put rangoli (colorful patterns) outside their homes. Some people choose to pray the entirety of the day, while others choose to pray during the morning or night time either at home or the temple. At night, fireworks are lit up and sweets are eaten. 

Interview: Jeevan Kaur

I asked Jeevan Kaur, class of 2028, some questions regarding Diwali and its history. 

What does your family do during Diwali?

“We bake sweets at home, light Diya’s around our house, clean our house, go to our local Gurdwara, we pray, and then everyone gets together to light some fireworks.” 

How does your religion (Sikhism) and family celebrate diwali differently from Hindus? 

“Our 6th guru (teacher), Guru Har Gobind Sahib Ji, was brought back to Amritsar alongside 52 Hindu kings after a very long time… we celebrate His return.” 

What are your opinions on Diwali?

“I think Diwali is very important and a fun festival. Always looking forward to it.”

What is your experience of celebrating Diwali in the US compared to India?

“In India everyone celebrates it and it’s very popular to where you can see all the lights from the houses around and the stores and markets are decorated but in the US, it’s the Indians who only celebrate it and it’s not as huge as India.”

Conclusion:

The festival of lights is celebrated in honor of Lord Rama and a new year. Diwali does not belong to just Hinduism but also Jainism, and as we saw with Jeevan, Sikhism. People from all around the world celebrate this festival differently with different traditions. This year, I wish everyone a very happy Diwali.