by Kristi Myllenbeck
Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is an annual celebration observed by more than a billion people worldwide.
According to a 2023 Associated Press article published by PBS, Diwali is a major religious festival for Hindus, but is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. The festival of lights is celebrated differently based on geographic region, but there is one central theme throughout: the triumph of good over evil.
The article continues, “in southern India, Diwali celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna’s destruction of the demon Naraka who is said to have imprisoned women and tormented his subjects. In northern India, Diwali honors the triumphant return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana, from a 14-year exile in the forest.”
Our October 19 celebration of Diwali at the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose included diya lamp creation, rangoli artwork, traditional dance performances, and a fashion show featuring festive outfits. Attendees shared what Diwali means to them and why they celebrate, from finding light and positivity in dark times to having an excuse to dress up, eat sweets, and spend treasured time with family.
For Indian Classical dance performer Sindhu Shivani Ravuri, Diwali is about Lord Rama and his wife Sita coming back home. Her performance portrayed Sita’s feeling of joy upon her return.
“She remembers the warmth of her kingdom. She remembers the strength in her heart. She remembers her family and she gains her happiness back,” she said. “For me, this story is important because it’s the best part about Diwali–you might see thousands and thousands and thousands of lights everywhere but each one is just supposed to remind you that the best light in the world is the smile of your family, the warmth of your home, the strength in your heart.”
Furthermore, California Assemblymember Ash Kalra introduced a bill this year that recognizes the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali. A representative from Kalra’s office attended the Diwali celebration at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose and presented Museum Executive Director Marilee Jennings with a certificate of recognition congratulating the museum for “a successful Diwali Celebration, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.”
Diwali will be officially celebrated worldwide on October 31, 2024.
