Culture Posts

11/2/2024 3:38 pm

Happy Diwali!

DIWALI - also called Deepavali - is the Festival of lights.

It is the biggest and most important holiday of the year celebrated by people of Indian origin.

The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.

The significance is a victory of good over evil, new beginnings and being celebrated with family and friends wearing new clothes, exchanging sweets, decorating the whole home with lights and flowers and importantly lighting fireworks in a safe manner to mark the celebration.

The dates for the holiday vary each year as they follow the lunar calendar. Diwali originated in India more than 2,500 years ago. The annual festival, which expands to the Indian diaspora, is usually observed for five days or even as short as one day, depending on where a person lives or how the person celebrates. 

Thank you to Siya's mom, Aparna for sharing deepas with 2nd Grade and explaining this popular holiday! It was a wonderful opportunity for our Field elementary kids from Ms Mohammed and Ms McGaha”s class to learn about this festival and about Indian culture.