Diwali: A Global Celebration of Light and Goodness

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is being celebrated on October 20, 2023, marking one of the most significant events in the Hindu calendar. This vibrant festival is observed not only by Hindus but also by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, with over a billion people participating in festivities across India and around the world. The celebration spans five days and includes a variety of cultural activities such as feasting, fireworks, prayer, and communal gatherings.

The term “Diwali” is derived from “Deepavali,” which translates to “a row of lights.” Celebrants illuminate their homes with traditional clay oil lamps, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. The timing of Diwali is based on the Hindu lunar calendar, typically occurring in late October or early November.

Understanding Diwali’s Significance Across Cultures

While Diwali holds deep religious significance for Hindus, its observance extends to various faiths with unique interpretations. The festival celebrates the overarching theme of good conquering evil. In southern India, the festival commemorates Lord Krishna‘s victory over the demon Naraka, who is said to have terrorized his subjects. In northern India, the focus is on the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, from a 14-year exile.

Distinct traditions emerge from different regions during Diwali, yet common elements unite the celebrations. These include lighting lamps, setting off fireworks, and gathering for festive meals. In southern India, many begin the day with a traditional warm oil bath, symbolizing purification. In contrast, northern celebrations often involve worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, who embodies wealth and prosperity. Gambling is a popular activity, as many believe that those who wager on Diwali night will experience prosperity throughout the year. The first day of Diwali, known as Dhanteras, sees many purchasing gold, an act believed to bring good fortune.

The festival also features colorful rangoli designs, intricate floral patterns created on floors using vibrant powders. Despite air quality concerns in some regions leading to restrictions on firework displays, India’s Supreme Court recently permitted the sale of “green fireworks,” which are considered less harmful to the environment.

Diverse Observances Among Different Faiths

The significance of Diwali varies across religions. For Jains, the festival marks the day when Lord Mahavira, the last of their great teachers, attained nirvana, signifying liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, coinciding with Diwali, commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind, a revered Sikh figure who was imprisoned by the Mughal emperor Jahangir. Buddhists observe the day to honor the conversion of Emperor Ashoka to Buddhism, a significant moment in their history.

In addition to its religious and cultural importance, Diwali is also gaining recognition in the United States. On October 7, 2023, California became the third state to officially designate Diwali as a statewide holiday, effective January 1, 2024. This law allows public schools and community colleges to close on Diwali, enabling students and staff to partake in the celebrations. State employees will have the option to take the day off, and students will receive an excused absence. Pennsylvania was the first state to recognize Diwali as a holiday in 2024, followed by Connecticut earlier this year, and New York City has officially declared it a public school holiday.

As Diwali continues to grow in global recognition, it serves not only as a time for celebration but also as a reminder of the universal values of light and goodness that resonate across cultures and faiths.