Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals across the world, which is observed by many religions and cultures.
“It’s my favorite time of year because it brings my whole family together. We decorate the house, eat sweets, and spend time with people we love,” said sophomore Lizann Lopez, who does not celebrate Diwali as a religious festival, but as a way to bring good luck and prosperity for her family.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “row of lights.” The festival represents the victory of light over darkness.
Diwali is most commonly celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, each community giving it its own unique meaning and forms of celebration while sharing a common message of hope and renewal.
The holiday usually lasts five days and falls between October and November, but is dependent on the lunar calendar. Each day of Diwali carries a different purpose and set of traditions.
The first day, Dhanteras, focuses on prosperity and cleaning the home to welcome good fortune. The second day, Choti Diwali, prepares for the main celebration with decorations and small lamps. The third day is Lakshmi Puja, when families pray to the goddess “Lakshmi” for wealth and blessings. The fourth day marks the start of the new year in some regions, like Gujarat and India. And the fifth day, Bhai Dooj, honors the bond between brothers and sisters.
The origins of Diwali date back more than 2,500 years. It appears in several Hindu stories, most famously the book “Ramayana.” In Northern India, this story is at the heart of Diwali.
In Western regions, the holiday honors the goddess Lakshmi, believed to bring wealth and success. “Even though people celebrate for different reasons, the meaning is very similar. It’s all about light, peace, and doing what’s right,” Lopez said
” The book tells the story of Lord Rama’s return to his kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, and his victory over the demon king Ravana.
In southern India, Diwali celebrates Lord Krishna’s defeat of the demon Narakasura, another story symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Families clean their homes, hang string lights, and create rangoli designs made from colored powder, rice, or flower petals. Small lamps are lit at doorsteps to invite good luck and drive away darkness.
Fireworks light up the sky, and tables are filled with traditional dishes such as samosas, gulab, jamun, and ladoos.
Over time, Diwali has grown beyond its religious roots.
In many parts of the world, it is now recognized as a cultural celebration of unity and renewal. Major cities, including New York, London, and Toronto, hold large public festivals that include music, dancing, and food vendors.
In the United States, several states and school districts have begun recognizing Diwali as an official holiday, giving students and workers the day off to celebrate.
“Learning about holidays like Diwali helps us appreciate other people’s backgrounds. It reminds us that everyone celebrates light in their own way.” Lopez said.
Although Del Mar High School has a small percentage of Indian heritage, the celebration of Diwali gives students from all backgrounds a chance to learn about its traditions and the messages.
“Diwali teaches that no matter how dark things get, there’s always a light ahead,” Lopez said.
As the festival continues to spread around the world, its lamps still shine with the same purpose they did thousands of years ago: to guide people toward goodness, peace, and new beginnings.
