Celebrate Diwali
The Festival of Lights

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, began on November 2nd this year and is being celebrated for five days, the peak of which is today, November 4. The festival, celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Newar Buddhists, marks the harvest and the start to the new year. Those in each faith celebrate Diwali in slightly different ways. Diwali symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance"

While cultural traditions vary, here is an example of how Diwali celebrations unfold: On the first day, homes are cleaned and a new item for the home is purchased to welcome good fortune; beginning the second day, clay lamps and rangolis, colorful floor designs drawn using rice flour, chalk, flower petals, or other natural materials, are used to decorate and brighten the home; the third day, the darkest night of the lunar month, is the main event when prayers and religious rights take place followed by fireworks and feasting; the fourth day, considered the start of the Hindu New year, is when gifts are exchanged between friends and families; and the fifth day celebrates Bhai Dooj, the bond between brothers and sisters.

Diwali is a religious holiday and, as such, it is not confined by political boundaries. In addition to India, countries that celebrate Diwali include Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States. You can celebrate Diwali locally in the Bay Area:

• SF Chronicle Diwali 2021: Bay Area parties and celebrations in honor of the festival of lights
• Stanford Hindu Students Association Diwali 2021 November 6 Celebration
• India Community Center of Milpitas
• Diwali Dandiya Bollywood Celebration with Avi Gayi Raat, Pleasanton

To those who celebrate, we wish you and your family a Happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year!

Best,
Susan Popko
Associate Provost for International Programs

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