"Diwali 101 for Americans: Understanding the Holiday

I shop at T.J Max, Marshalls, and Home Good's . In the past few years, I've noticed beautiful festive items being sold for the holiday of Diwali (pronounced Dee -Val -Lee) this time of the year. 

I was not familiar with the holiday, so I decided to research it and find out more about it. This is what I found in my research.

This year the 5 days of Diwali are celebrated from October 31-November 4, 2024. Their calendar is different from our calendar, so the holiday falls at different times every year.

Diwali is the Hindu Festival of Lights and one of the most significant Hindu holidays, celebrated not only in India but also by millions of people in Indian communities throughout the world

Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival typically spans five days and holds various meanings for different Indian communities. 

For some, Diwali is considered the New Year, particularly among Hindus in certain regions of India. However, others may celebrate the New Year at a different time. Regardless of the differences in the ways of celebrating, Diwali's core themes are of hope, renewal, and the importance of family and community.

 

In India, the customs for Diwali include the lighting of diyas (oil lamps), bursting of fireworks, and sharing of sweets. 

Homes are decorated with colorful rangoli designs made from colored powders, flower petals, and rice. Rangoli is a traditional Indian art form involving colorful patterns created on the ground, mostly during festivals and special occasions. 

Families gather to perform prayers (pujas) to seek blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity.

In the United States Diwali is celebrated in various ways!

1. Community Events and Festivals: Many cities host Diwali fairs and festivals featuring food stalls, cultural performances, and traditional music (google Diwali events in your area). 

2. Home Celebrations: Families celebrate Diwali by cleaning and decorating their homes, lighting diyas, and creating rangoli designs at their doorsteps.

   

   Made using materials like colored rice, flour, or flower petals, rangoli designs can vary from simple geometric shapes to intricate motifs inspired by nature, mythology, or cultural symbols. The purpose of rangoli is to welcome guests and deities, and it’s often seen at the entrances of homes to keep out negativity. Each design is unique, reflecting the creativity and cultural significance of the creator.

   

   Indian Traditional Sweets 

    Traditional sweets such as laddoos, barfis, and jalebis are prepared and shared among friends and neighbors. Many restaurants offer special Diwali menus, allowing everyone to indulge in the festive flavors.

3. Cultural Programs: Local temples and cultural organizations often host special events, including dance performances, music recitals, and storytelling sessions that highlight the significance of Diwali for the local community. 

4. Fireworks and Sparklers: In some areas, fireworks light up the sky, adding to the festive atmosphere. 

   

   
   

   

   A dish towel I found at Homegoods being sold for Diwali. It is festive and very colorful.

   
   
   

   Recipe for a coconut Ladoo 

   

   Coconut Ladoo with Nuts and Cardamom

   Ingredients:

   • 2 cups shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
   • 1 and 1/2 cups coconut milk
   • 1/2 cup of sugar of your choice  (or more)
   • 2 teaspoons of cornstarch or potato starch
   • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 
   • A pinch of salt
   • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (adjust to taste)
   • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, pistachios or cashews)
   • Extra shredded coconut (for rolling, optional)

   Instructions:

   1. Mix Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the shredded coconut, coconut milk, corn starch, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, cardamom, and chopped nuts. Mix well.

   2. Cook the Mixture: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan (about 5-7 minutes).

   3. Cool Slightly: Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes until it’s manageable.

   4. Shape the Ladoos: Once cool enough to handle, take small portions and roll them into balls. If you like, roll them in extra shredded coconut for a nice coating.

   5. Serve or Store: Enjoy right away or store in an airtight container.