Diwali by Miranda Gillette

When?

20243582 — 2023-10-31 18:00:57 UTC

This holiday takes place every fall between October and November, the actual date changes every year. Diwali is celebrated over five days. Day one people clean their homes and shop for gold or kitchen utensils to bring good luck.

Day Two

20243582 — 2023-10-31 18:02:33 UTC

On day two, people decorate their homes with clay lamps and rangoli. Rangoli is a type of patterned design that is put on the floors using colored sand or powders.

Day Three

20243582 — 2023-10-31 18:04:13 UTC

This is the main day of the festival. Families gather together for Lakshmi puja, which is a prayer followed by feasts and firework festivals.

Day Four

20243582 — 2023-10-31 18:05:04 UTC

This is the first day of the new year. Family and friends visit to exchange gifts and best wishes for the upcoming year.

Day Five

20243582 — 2023-10-31 18:05:50 UTC

Brothers visit their married sisters. They all have a feast and catch up.

Diwali

20243582 — 2023-10-31 18:08:24 UTC

Diwali gets its name from the clay lamps that the Indian people light outside their homes during this holiday. These lamps represent the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This holiday is a celebration of Rama's success in defeating the evil spirit Ravana.

Food

20243582 — 2023-10-31 18:14:16 UTC

Samosa - a fried pastry

Aloo Bonda - a fried potato

Murukku - a crunchy pastry

Gulab Jamun - Fried balls of dough

Music example

20246982 — 2023-10-31 18:14:45 UTC

Music example

20246982 — 2023-10-31 18:15:43 UTC

Type of Music

20243582 — 2023-10-31 18:17:29 UTC

Aarti is sung to praise the Hindu Gods and to ask for strength from those who are singing and listening. They are often sung by both men and women and can vary in tempo.