Diwali is the Hindu celebration of light and its symbolism over darkness and evil. The exact date of Diwali changes every year, but it is always celebrated around October and November across five days. The holiday is mainly a Hindu religion but is also celebrated by other Indian religions including Jainism and Sikhism.
“My family celebrates Diwali pretty casually,” said freshman Anya Abraham. “My family comes together, and we eat a lot of delicious food. I remember once when I was really young we burned a paper mache demon in the fire, which was fun,”
People who participate in Diwali clean their homes and draw patterns on their floors using colorful sand or powder. Families gather for feast and celebration, giving prayers and setting off fireworks. Diwali is celebrated differently throughout India in accordance to the location, but the belief of good over evil is always a common factor, according to religion teacher Clint Hackenburg.
“I celebrated Diwali when I was in Kirlia in South India. We ate a ton of sweets and junk food, and it was awesome,” Hackenburg said. “It’s celebrated by almost every community in India and everyone gets involved. There is no one story linked to it, because each community has their own interpretation,”
In honor of Diwali, Acre Dining celebrated with serving Indian food as a main course. There were also Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate and Pink Rose Coconut Ladoos provided in the Mail Hall of Broadway and in the courtyard of Pine Octavia, according to senior Scarlett Farr.
“I know it’s a holiday with candles and fancy clothes, but I wish I knew more about it,” Farr said. “I tried the candy in the courtyard, and I really enjoyed being able to experience a different culture through food,”
There were several celebrations today throughout the city; there was one in Alameda today, with food and performances. Outside of the city, in Ayodhya, India, people lit lamps near the Saryu River in celebration, according to Abraham.
“For me, I think that Diwali is like a normal holiday, like all the other ones,” Abraham said. “I feel like it should be learned about, as well as other holidays.”
