India is truly a spectacle of shimmering lights and vibrant celebrations this week.
It’s Diwali, the magnificent Hindu festival of lights and the most significant public holiday across the world’s most populous nation. Prepare for a sensory explosion of delightful sweets, dazzling fireworks, glowing oil lamps, and fragrant flower garlands.
This joyous festival typically graces us in October or November, extending over several days. For countless families both in India and within the Indian diaspora worldwide, Diwali is a sacred period for elaborate feasts, deep self-reflection, and earnest prayers for abundant good fortune.
Here’s a closer look at what makes Diwali so special:
Diwali Demystified: The Essentials
Celebrated not only by Hindus but also by adherents of Jainism and Sikhism, Diwali universally embodies the victory of good over evil, or light piercing through darkness. It’s a time when homes are meticulously cleaned, vibrant festivities take place, and wishes for prosperity fill the air.
The holiday itself is woven from a rich tapestry of ancient Hindu narratives.
In North India, many families honor an episode from the epic Ramayana, recounting how the noble prince Rama, aided by the valiant monkey god Hanuman, triumphs over a demon who abducted his beloved princess, Sita.
Meanwhile, in South India, Diwali celebrations frequently feature tales from another great Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, highlighting the divine Lord Krishna’s victory over a formidable demon king.
When and Where Does This Grand Celebration Occur?
Diwali’s timing is determined by an auspicious day in the Hindu lunar calendar: the new moon during the month of Kartik. In 2025, this significant date falls across October 20th and 21st.
Beyond India, Diwali is enthusiastically observed throughout South Asia, including in countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal. Its joyful spirit also resonates strongly across the global Indian diaspora. For many, it signifies the hopeful beginning of a new Hindu year.
States like California, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania in the United States recognize Diwali as an official holiday. Notably, in 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared it a public school holiday, acknowledging its growing prominence.
A Deeper Look at the Delectable Sweets
First, a little background.
Diwali’s elaborate rituals honor various Hindu deities who symbolize the triumph over malevolent forces. These include Lakshmi, the revered goddess of wealth and prosperity; Ganesh, the beloved elephant-headed god who brings good fortune and removes hindrances; and Kali, a powerful and fierce goddess often depicted with a necklace of skulls, representing her victory over evil.
The festivities span several days, featuring ‘pujas’ or devotional ceremonies where lamps are lit and offerings are made to the gods. It’s also a time for extensive home cleaning and purchasing new items for the household, symbolizing renewal and abundance.
These offerings often consist of fragrant incense, beautiful garlands of jasmine and marigolds, and an impressive array of incredibly sweet delicacies. The belief is that these heartfelt offerings enhance one’s prospects for both material wealth and spiritual illumination.
And yes, some of these treats will certainly give your blood sugar a boost! Traditional Diwali sweets often feature kheel, a delightful sweetened puffed rice, and laddoos, which are hand-rolled spheres of flour, ghee, and sugar, often as large as jawbreakers. More recently, chocolates have also become a popular addition.
The Dazzling (and Debated) Role of Fireworks
Traditionally, people throughout India ignite firecrackers to herald the arrival of Diwali. Even the youngest children join in, joyfully waving sparklers in streets, parks, and backyards, adding to the festive glow.
While visually stunning, the spectacular colors come at a cost: the fumes and smoke significantly degrade air quality. This is particularly concerning during a season when India’s air is already prone to being unhealthy.
Just last week, India’s Supreme Court eased a comprehensive ban on fireworks in the capital, New Delhi, permitting the sale of ‘green fireworks’ for a limited period at the start of Diwali. However, environmental experts warned that Delhi’s air quality would likely remain severely unhealthy throughout the festival, despite these measures.
Their predictions unfortunately proved accurate. On Monday afternoon, merely hours into the final day of Diwali, authorities officially classified Delhi’s air quality as hazardous, underscoring the ongoing challenge.