Diwali, the vibrant, Indian multi-day festival commenced yesterday according to the Hindu lunar calendar (it is also celebrated by Sikh and Jain communities with slightly different practices). For most Hindus, Diwali is extremely significant in bringing about new beginnings as it coincides with the Hindu new year. It is a holiday that is celebrated with as much fervor and zeal as Christmas is by most Christians. The scene is vastly different, however.

Let’s take a mental vacation to any town in, say, the Indian state of Gujarat during Diwali. Upon entering the town, the streets would likely be ignited with stunning diya lamps (oil lamps made of clay) and filled with ornate decor. People are cleaning their homes to welcome guests. Diya lamps and exquisite rangoli designs elegantly grace every front porch. Children are enthralled at the mini firework displays ensuing in every home. Friends and family are dressed to the nines, exchanging gifts and greeting each other with a “Namaste” (hands joined at the heart and a quick bow to show respect). Grandiose temples resonate with prayers and songs worshipping the Goddess Lakshmi (the divine embodiment of prosperity—both monetary and immaterial) and by the end of the festive night, our stomachs are filled with an unfathomable amount of desserts and savory snacks.  

In the process of creating the rangoli design seen above.
PHOTO CREDIT: KESHA MANKAD

Diwali firecrackers (don’t worry, his parents are watching him like a hawk)
PHOTO CREDIT: SOWRIRAJAN S/FLICKR

Tea light diyas during Diwali pooja (worship) and mouthwatering sweets in the top right corner
PHOTO CREDIT: SAN SHARMA/FLICKR
Diwali customs vary from state to state, but as Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, many time-honored rituals sustain, no matter where you go in India. Because of Hinduism’s age and open-mindedness however, many of the motives behind the rituals have been lost or forgotten. When we rewind the rituals back to ancient Vedic times, it’s apparent that each and every ritual had some scientific, psychological, or life-oriented philosophy at their base.

A Sikh family lighting Diwali candles. Traditionally, Sikh Diwali kicks off after celebrating Bandi Chhorh
PHOTO CREDIT: HARPREET SINGH/FLICKR
Diwali is no different and in fact, may be the perfect time for Hindus and non-Hindus alike to bring to light the reasons behind some of these rituals. Diwali derives from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali” meaning row of lights. Each day of the five-day festival holds its own significance. The pervading theme throughout the festival, however, is the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the return of the legendary Hindu God-King Rama to his kingdom after killing the demon, Ravana. It is a time for introspection on how to eradicate our own demons of jealousy, greed, laziness, hatred and bring out the light within. It is a fresh start for many, before the beginning of a new year.

For those of us who can’t take that vacation to India for this luminous festival, the Seattle Indian community has done its best to try and bring a little Diwali to us. Learn how to create Rangoli or play Carom, a traditional Indian game, at University of Washington-Seattle’s Diwali Mela tonight or join the UW students on a Hindu Temple Outing in Redmond this Saturday. If you go to the temple outing, you can stay for an Indian classical music concert that evening by Abhinay Fine Arts. Create paper lanterns, or enjoy Indian music and dance at the Seattle Asian Art Museum on Saturday, November 1. There’s more fun to be had that day at The Redmond Indian Cultural Association’s Diwali Dhamaka where you can witness Indian folk dance performances and eat some delicious food. The Indian Association of Western Washington will be celebrating Diwali with an evening of traditional food, music, dance, and arts at UW-Seattle on Saturday, November 8. 

Shubh Deepavali to all and may the Diwali light of goodness shine into all of our lives.