Diwali - celebrating light, love, & heritage
I love Diwali. Every fall, my family and I celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and it's honestly one of the most magical times of the year. Growing up in America as a Hindu, I’ve come to deeply value how Diwali brings me closer to my culture and heritage, reminding me of the values and stories that have shaped generations of my family.
Diwali is a celebration of good conquering evil, light overcoming darkness, and hope triumphing over despair. It’s based on the story of Lord Rama, who returned home after 14 years of exile, during which he defeated the demon king Ravana. When Rama finally returned, the whole city was illuminated with oil lamps, or "diyas," to welcome him back and celebrate his victory. Every time I hear this story, it reminds me of resilience, hope, and the idea that no matter how tough life gets, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.
The significance of Diwali goes beyond just one story. For many, it’s also about celebrating Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and invoking her blessings for the coming year. My family performs a small "puja" (prayer) to honor her, and it always feels really special. We set up a beautiful altar with marigold flowers, diyas, and small bowls of sweets. We pray together, thanking her for the blessings we’ve received and asking for her guidance in the year ahead.
One of my favorite parts of Diwali is the time we spend preparing our home. My mom and I decorate with marigold flower hangings around the home and also with bright, colorful rangoli designs made from soaked, ground up rice, and flower petals, creating intricate patterns on our doorstep to welcome guests and good fortune. I also love helping my dad hang up lights and set diyas outside the house. I love the warm golden glow of the diyas.
And, of course, Diwali is all about family, food, and fun. I love the food my mom cooks on this special day. My favorite is aloo-poori, an indian meal of potato curry and deep fried bread, that is synonymous with celebration and always a pair, never to be uttered or eaten without the other. My mom also makes the best gulab jamuns in the entire world, which are these sweet, syrupy dumplings that melt in your mouth, my absolute favorites. We also love to get together with our friends on Diwali and sharing in the joy of food and togetherness.
One of the big parts of Diwali, is the fireworks. Once it’s dark, we head outside, light sparklers, and watch the sky light up with colors. There’s laughter, excitement, and just this contagious feeling of joy. I feel so proud to share this tradition with my friends and neighbors who stop by and celebrate with us. They see what makes Diwali so special, and it feels like I’m sharing a piece of my heritage with the world.
For me, Diwali is more than a holiday—it’s a reminder of who I am and where I come from. It connects me to my roots and to my family, even to the people who celebrated it generations before me. And in those moments of light and laughter, I feel deeply grateful for my culture and all the beautiful traditions that come with it.
