Between Halloween, Nevada Day, and your choice of Columbus Day or Indigenous People's Day, October is a busy month for holidays. We’ve got one more for you: Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
🕯️ What is Diwali?
Diwali is a celebration of good over evil or light over darkness. It’s also known as Deepavali, which means “row of lights” in Sanskrit.
🎉 Who Celebrates Diwali?
Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists around the world celebrate Diwali, although, much like Christmas, it’s grown to become a celebration that’s also secular in nature as well. Diwali is the biggest holiday of the year in India and officially recognized by at least a dozen countries. It’s also growing in acceptance in the United States. Pennsylvania declared Diwali an official holiday and it prompted a new fireworks season in Texas.
👀 When is Diwali?
Diwali is actually a five-day celebration, although the third day is considered the climax of the festival and often the one day singled out as the main holiday, falling on Monday, October 20 this year.
🏮 Customs and Traditions?
Homes, businesses, and temples are frequently decorated with colorful lights (including diyas, which are small clay lamps) and rangoli (artwork made with rice powder). It’s common to celebrate with fireworks, new clothes, gifts, and lots of food, including sweets made with dried fruit. It’s also tradition to clean and declutter a home before the festival begins.
😀 How to Celebrate Diwali in Las Vegas
- Desi Divas of LV hosts a ladies-only Diwali Gala Night at Jasmine Gardens at 5 p.m. on Oct. 18. Tickets are $28.52.
- Las Vegas Marathi Mandal throws a Diwali Party at 5 p.m. on Oct. 19, featuring comedian Abhay Paranjape at Allure Gardens. Tickets begin at $20 ($30 for non-members).
- Friends of India is hosting its annual Festival of Lights Diwali Celebration at the Anthem Center Ballroom in Henderson, 3 - 11 p.m. on Nov. 1. Tickets begin at $40 for members and $70 for non-members.
