In India, Diwali, "the festival of lights," is one of the biggest and brightest festivals of the year, celebrated in the autumn annually during the Hindu month of Kartik. Specifically, Diwali occurs on the darkest day of the lunar month, the new moon day, since this is the darkest time during the lunar day. It is a significant holiday for Hindus, just as Christmas is for Christians. There is a great deal of symbolism embodied in Diwali, which celebrates the victory of light over darkness.
Diwali is a festival celebrated by many people across the globe every year. Although the traditions are diverse, a few common themes, such as family gatherings and lighting candles, remain prevalent. Businesses on Diwali to allow workers to celebrate with their families. As part of the five-day celebration of this beautiful festival, there are key rituals observed.
Almanc.com describes each day of the festival.
- On the first day, celebrants clean their homes and create intricate rangoli—designs made of colored rice, sand, or flowers on the home's floor.
- The second day is spent preparing or buying special food (especially sweets, called mithai), as well as praying for the spirits of ancestors in the afterlife.
- On the third day—the primary day of Diwali—families gather and celebrate by lighting lanterns and candles (diyas) in their homes and in the streets, and by shooting off fireworks! (In southern India, the second day is the main day of celebration, rather the third).
- Traditions of the fourth day vary, but a common theme is the bond between husband and wife, so husbands will often buy their spouses gifts to celebrate.
- The fifth day focuses on the bond between siblings, specifically between brother and sister.
Take action:
- How to Make Your Own Diwali's Tradition Puri Dish
- Diwali Gift Ideas You Can Do
- Explore Diwali History
- Download Diwali Wallpapers onto your PC
- Watch National Geographic Video on the Festival of Lights
- Attach the design elements to your email signatureand/or use it in your social media.
For additional education and personal development related to diversity, equity and inclusion, the following resources are available: DEI Education and Resources, DEI and Antiracism Resources from the UNC Libraries, the Education Equity Toolkit from the Colorado Department of Higher Education, and the UNITE workshops for faculty, staff, and students.
