Around one billion people across the world, including those in the U.S., will celebrate Diwali this week. Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali, or Deepavali, is one of India’s most cherished holidays, rooted in ancient traditions that reflect a spectrum of beliefs and cultural practices.
Diwali originated in India over 2,500 years ago and has evolved into a celebration that lasts up to five days in some regions, though it can also be observed in a single day depending on personal customs and location. This year, Diwali coincides with the U.S. presidential election season, where Vice President Kamala Harris, who holds both Black and South Asian heritage, could make history. Harris, a practicing Christian, has embraced her Indian heritage by celebrating Diwali publicly at her official residence in Washington, D.C. In a previous message, she urged people to “remember to honor the light within one another.” Her presence has inspired many South Asian Americans, such as Deepak Sarma, a 54-year-old scholar who shared that Harris’ position “helps elevate” the South Asian American community, adding, “We’re part of the American landscape.”
Diwali’s Significance Beyond Hinduism
While Diwali is often associated with Hindu traditions, its celebration extends to various South Asian religions, each finding unique meaning in the festival. For some Hindus, Diwali marks Lord Rama’s return from exile, a symbol of righteousness restored. “Other Hindus,” Sarma explains, “believe it to be the celebration of the killing of the asura (demon) Narakasura by Lord Krishna.” For others, Diwali is a time to worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, or to honor “the victory of knowledge over ignorance.”
Sikhs celebrate Diwali to mark the release of Guru Hargobind, who was imprisoned in 1617 and freed two years later. Ravi Gupta, a religious studies professor at Utah State University, points out that Diwali has a special resonance for Jains as well, who remember Lord Mahavira’s enlightenment. “In each of these Indic traditions, we find that Diwali holds some sort of significance and a reason for celebration, often a representation of hope and the victory of goodness,” Gupta says.
The Cultural and Culinary Symbolism of Diwali
The word “Deepavali” translates to “garland of lights,” a reference to the traditional lighting of lamps that marks the festival. Sarma, who was born on Diwali, highlights that placing garlands on statues in temples is a common gesture of reverence. “People aren’t garlanding other people with lights,” Sarma notes, explaining how lighting lamps in front of temples is a significant part of the ritual.
Diwali is celebrated on the night of a new moon, making the illuminating effect of lights particularly striking. Streets and homes in India are aglow with oil lamps as a way of guiding Lakshmi to well-lit homes, according to Gupta. The lighting is complemented by festive fireworks, embodying “the victory of light over darkness.”
Food holds a central place in Diwali festivities. Sweets, homemade or store-bought, are shared generously, with soan papdi, jalebi, and almond burfi among favorites. “Food is everything” during Diwali, Gupta remarks. As the festival progresses, the Govardhan Puja or Annakuta, which translates to “mountain of food,” is celebrated by creating a literal pile of food to honor a story where Lord Krishna protected his village by lifting a mountain. Gupta advises consuming food responsibly: “Although it’s celebrating plenty, it’s also emphasizing the fact that food is very much a gift and it is special.”
Vibrant colors also contribute to the festive atmosphere, with intricate rangoli designs drawn outside homes to symbolize sacredness and invite good fortune. Wearing colors like red signifies new beginnings, growth, and prosperity.
Embracing Diwali Regardless of Background
Diwali celebrations are open to everyone, not just those of Indian or Hindu backgrounds. Sarma, who consults for companies such as Netflix and American Greetings, suggests gifting a Diwali card or greeting friends with “Happy Diwali.” However, Sarma also cautions that it’s essential to avoid assumptions: “Not every person that’s South Asian or Indian or has Indian heritage may have learned about the tradition or celebrated it.”
In the U.S., approximately 80% of Indian Americans identify as Hindu, according to Pew Research, while the rest belong to various faiths, including Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism. Gupta plans to celebrate Diwali with a two-day gathering with family and friends in Logan, Utah, while Sarma will share sweets with friends and dine at an Indian restaurant near Cleveland, Ohio, in addition to gifting their children a book or pen as a token of the holiday’s spirit. As Sarma puts it, “The greatest thing that I could give my children is the thirst for knowledge.”