Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a five day celebration in India and Indian communities all around the world that celebrates the return of Rama. This celebration dates back thousands of years ago to the “Ramayana,” an ancient Hindu story, which tells of Rama who defeats the sister of the ten-headed demon king, named Ravana, and rescues his princess, Sita. The Hindus celebrate his journey home by lighting a path with torches, oil lamps, and fireworks that light up the night sky. The first day of the festival is devoted to clearing out the home and the second is spent decorating the house, adorning it with garlands of jasmine flowers, lamps, and candles. At the entrance of a home are colored sands in the form of lotus flowers that act as spiritual welcome mats. On the third day, there are lavish feasts and firework displays to top any Fourth of July celebration. Friends and family are visited on the fourth day. And on the fifth and final day, a very important and strict ritual takes place in which brothers visit their married sisters who cook a delightful meal in return. Although this is a Hindu holiday, many Sikhs and Jains also celebrate the festival, making the celebration for almost everyone in India. The Hindus are also welcome anyone willing to share in the season of abundance.

As much as the visual interpretation of Diwali is beautiful, the spiritual meaning is just as important. Diwali also means the awareness of the inner light. The Hindus believe that through the higher knowledge gained during this holiday can awaken their Atman, or pure and infinite spirit, which is seen as a path to spiritual enlightenment. Diwali is the perfect opportunity to make peace over conflict. During this time, Hindus encourage you to welcome the good spirits into your life and worship Lakshmi, the goddess of good fortune, who brings good fortune to the pious. Diwali is a time of renewal, where the old in cleaned out and your life is lighted up once again.

Ms. Hoy, one of the history teachers here at NDA, used to live in India when she was younger. She says, “The only thing I can remember is all of the colors. As a child it was so cool to see all of the colors.” Diwali is a very colorful celebration. Women wear their most vibrant clothing, and the bright colors symbolize new life and a new spirit.

So what can you do if you’re not traveling to India any time soon? On Diwali, you could light a candle, wear a bright top or bright jeans, or you could even have an Indian-style dinner to celebrate and honor the Indian culture.

Source: Conley, Chip, Art Gimbel, and Jennye Garibaldi. “Diwali.” Fest300. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2014.