Do you know about the Festival of Lights? Diwali is a major holiday in the Hindu religion. It means “row of lights” and is often called the Festival of Lights, according to Britannica Kids online. People living in India celebrated Diwali in early November. Many people outside of India celebrated, as well.
Anna Dombia and Riya Shah, students at Patrick M. Villano School, both celebrated Diwali as part of their culture.
“People who celebrate Diwali usually do Rangoli or sand art,” Dombia said.
“People celebrate Diwali with traditional food,” Shah said.
According to National Geographic Kids online, “Diwali is celebrated over five days.
- DAY ONE: People clean their homes and shop for gold or kitchen utensils to help bring good fortune.
- DAY TWO: People decorate their homes with clay lamps and create design patterns called rangoli on the floor using colored powders or sand.
- DAY THREE: On the main day of the festival, families gather together for Lakshmi puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi, followed by mouth-watering feasts and firework festivities.
- DAY FOUR: This is the first day of the new year, when friends and relatives visit with gifts and best wishes for the season.
- DAY FIVE: Brothers visit their married sisters, who welcome them with love and a lavish meal.”
When people celebrate this holiday, they wear traditional clothing. This clothing is full of color and is vibrant. Also, people like to eat traditional foods. Some foods are savory like samosas, potato-filed pastry, or sweet like jalebi, fried sugary flour. Also, people drink mango lassi which is mostly mango, yogurt, ice, and sugar. Those who honor this day also decorate their house with lights.
“People who practice Hinduism see Diwali as a time to reflect upon their lives. They are encouraged to get rid of harmful behaviors, such as laziness and jealousy, and to try to see the good in people, even those they do not like,” Britannica Kids online stated.
Both Dombia and Shay said Diwali means “joy and happiness” to them personally.
