October 17, 2022 Celebrate Diwali The Festival of Lights

October 17, 2022

Celebrate Diwali

The Festival of Lights

The five days of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, begin this week on Friday, October 21, with celebrations taking place on Monday, October 24. Diwali marks the harvest and the start to the new year and it symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance".

The holiday is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Newar Buddhists and those in each faith celebrate in slightly different ways. 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.

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.

You can celebrate Diwali:Festival of Lights at the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, October 22
Save the date for SCU’s Swades Indian Community celebration on November 6 in Locatelli Hall, time TBD.

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