The Vibrant Celebration of Diwali: India’s Festival of Lights

by

Hey there, folks! Have you ever found yourself captivated by the stunning images of candle-lit streets and fireworks you see popping up on your social media feeds once end-October rolls around? That’s Diwali, one of the most extensive, richly decorated festivals celebrated across India and by Indian communities worldwide, that I’m excited to share with you today!

What is Diwali?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a thrilling five-day event usually taking place in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar[^1^]. It’s often called the festival of lights because Diwali literally translates to ‘row of lamps’ – bet you can guess why it’s my favorite time of year!

What’s Diwali all about?

The festival commemorates different historical events and stories, but they all revolve around the central theme of ‘good triumphing over evil’ and ‘light prevailing over darkness'[^2^]. Isn’t that a message we can all get behind?

My Diwali Experience

I remember growing up, helping my mom clean the house to welcome the goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity[^3^]). Now, when I say “clean,” I don’t mean a quick tidy up – I’m talking about spring-cleaning… in fall!

The lively celebrations

Then, as evening falls, Diwali turns into a real-life fairy tale. We light small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil – the light is believed to guide Lakshmi into the homes of the people[^4^]. And let’s not forget the fireworks! Ah, the fireworks… Every year, they appear to dance more vibrantly and illuminate the sky more brightly!

The graced gustatory pleasures

Diwali isn’t solely a visual feast; it’s an actual feast! It’s all about mouth-watering Indian delicacies. As a kid, I remember being in the kitchen with my grandmother, helping her make heaps of Gulab Jamun (milk-based sweet dumplings[^5^]), and savoury Samosas. Even now, the taste takes me right back to those special moments.

Summing it up

So, there you have it. A tiny glimpse into the bright, colourful world of Diwali and my memories growing up celebrating it. Sure, the light-up streets and the bursting sky are a spectacular sight to behold, but what stays with you after the lights go out is the shared joy, laughter, and sense of unity. And isn’t that what festivity is all about?