Diwali (pronounced “Dee-va-lee”), also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important holidays celebrated by Hindus around the world.
Diwali is based on the lunar calendar, which means that in some years it is celebrated in October while in other years it is celebrated in November. Diwali marks the start of the Hindu New Year, which will be celebrated on Nov. 11 this year.
Many Hindu gods are worshipped during Diwali. It is commonly known that this festival is based on the story of the Hindu god, Lord Ram.
Lord Ram’s father, the King, had several wives. One of the King’s wives, Kaikeyi, convinced the King to exile Lord Ram from the kingdom for 14 years so that, instead of Ram inheriting the throne, her own son, Bharat, could inherit the throne. Thus, Lord Ram left the kingdom with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman.
While Ram was in exile, Sita was kidnapped by the demon, Ravana. Lord Ram then rescues Sita in an epic battle that is described in detail in the ancient Hindu scripture, the Ramayan. When Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman return from exile to the kingdom, the citizens celebrated by lighting diyas (clay lamps) in his honor. Therefore, Diwali is a festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
On Diwali day, people clean their homes and wear new clothes. On Diwali evening, people perform a Ganesh-Laxmi puja (prayer) so that they may be blessed with a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
Prayers are first offered to Lord Ganesh (the remover of obstacles) so that any obstacles may be removed to the start of the New Year. Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, is also worshipped because it is believed that she brings good fortune in the New Year to those who pray to her. Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, is also worshipped for financial success. Traditions, customs, and rituals may vary based on where an individual is from in India.
Members of the Hindu community in Gainesville continue to practice ancient Diwali traditions and customs today. On Diwali night, Hindus from the Gainesville community celebrate by lighting diyas inside and outside of their homes and decorate their front porches with elaborate rangoli designs that are made from colored powder.
Typically, people will use rangoli powder to make geometric patterns or images of Hindu gods. Making rangoli designs is considered to be auspicious. People buy and exchange gifts, including gold jewelry.
At Diwali parties, it is also common to play cards and gamble for fun. People will celebrate by feasting on an elaborate dinner and mithai (sweets). Typically, the Diwali festivities end with fireworks, which are believed to ward off evil.
Family and friends wish each other a happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful New Year.
— Anita Badhwar is the book author and illustrator of the South Asian children’s book series, “Little Princess Rani and the Palace Adventures.” She is a graduate of the University of Florida with a master of science degree and lives with her family in Gainesville.