Like Christmas, the Hindu festival of Diwali has enchanted the world with its joyous charm and bright lights. California has officially recognized Diwali as a state holiday, becoming the third state in the USA to do so after Pennsylvania and Connecticut. This step is lauded by community leaders as an honor to the contributions of Indian Americans to the state.
For the uninitiated, Diwali is India’s biggest holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the traditional clay lamps called diyas that are usually lit around the house to symbolize the inner light and victory of good over evil. Celebrated on the day of the new moon, the clay lamps are filled with either mustard oil or ghee with a cotton wick to chase away the darkness. People light firecrackers and exchange gifts while hosting gatherings.
Over the years, the clay lamps have been joined by candles that are easily accessible and cost less than lamp oil or ghee. With time, people have begun to get creative in candle designs as well. If the festival of lights has enchanted you, here are a handful of ways in which you can celebrate Diwali, regardless of your religion.
- Create Celebration Space: This might be the best and easiest step in your Diwali celebration. You need to set up a celebration space with lots of marigolds, fairy lights, candles, or traditional clay lamps. Drape every corner with vibrant colors and lights. You can even use your Christmas lights for the occasion. Add a few marigold garlands to imbue the festive vibe
- Festive Food: Like Italian, Chinese, or Mexican, the world loves Indian food. To celebrate Diwali properly, put out giant platters of festive foods. You can cook it yourself or have authentic flavors delivered to your doorstep
- Love and Kindness: The two pillars of Diwali are love and kindness. You can give them back to the community. Volunteer at a local shelter, feed the homeless, donate clothes, share sweets, and spend some time with loved ones. You can make it a tradition that’ll fill you with a sense of joy
- Make Rangoli: A cherished tradition of creating patterns called rangoli on the floor using colored powders or sand, and adorned with diyas, should be on your Diwali celebration list
- Light Candles and Diyas: Since it is the festival of lights, be sure to light a handful of candles and diyas to commit to the celebration fully. Just the simple act of lighting lamps and candles will fill you with a sense of calm and joy
Here are a few homemade candles Homecrux created this Diwali. Let us know your thoughts. Happy Diwali!
We also created some rangolis. These should inspire you to play with the colors.
