Diwali Celebrates a Row of Lights for Over One Billion People
The Hindu festival of lights, which marks the victory of good over evil, falls on Sunday and is observed by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists as well.
By Carlos Rousseau ·
Diwali begins today for more than one billion people across India and its global diaspora. The holiday serves as the most important festival of the year for Hindus, marked by prayers, family gatherings, and fireworks.
The name Diwali derives from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which translates to a row of lights. Participants place traditional clay oil lamps outside their homes to represent the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. The event follows the Hindu lunar calendar and typically arrives in late October or early November.
Although the holiday has deep roots in Hinduism, it is also observed by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. Origin stories differ by region but share a common theme of good defeating evil. In southern India, the day honors Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Naraka. In the north, it commemorates the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana after 14 years of exile.
Customs vary by location. In the south, many people bathe in warm oil in the early morning to symbolize purification in the holy River Ganges. In the north, worship focuses on the goddess Lakshmi, a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Gambling is a popular tradition based on the belief that success on Diwali night brings luck for the rest of the year. Many also buy gold on Dhanteras, the first day of the festival.
Jains mark the day as the anniversary of Lord Mahavira attaining nirvana. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment under Mughal emperor Jahangir. Some Buddhists view it as the anniversary of Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism in the third century B.C.
Community events across North America included festivities at Walt Disney World in Florida, which featured more than 500 dancers. The 11th annual Diwali celebration in New York City’s Times Square included international performers and a lighting countdown. Other events took place in Jersey City, New York, San Francisco, and Vancouver.
California became the third U.S. state to designate Diwali an official holiday last year. The Associated Press notes that its religion coverage receives support through a collaboration with The Conversation US, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.
