Diwali, one of the biggest Indian holidays, is celebrated around the end of the year. Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, involves fireworks. The kids get together and light up sparklers and as you get older, you get to set of the big fireworks/the big kahunas. Once I was at the age to light up the big fireworks, I felt complete. This year, my family hosted a Diwali party and sadly I missed it because I was at YAG. Essentially, it lasts around 5 days and on the last day there is a big party. Diwali is definitely one of my favorite Indian holidays. One distinct memory I have about Diwali was a pooja, similar to a mass, that we had for my Sunday school. Everything was going well and the pooja was at the temple. Then, I fell down the stairs and tore my ankle. I did not let this incident stop my fun. I sat in a chair after the pooja in the parking lot that had the fireworks and did sparklers. Although I thought I was cursed since I fell at the temple, I realized I am just clumsy at times. Anyway, that is my favorite Diwali memory because I remember despite being in pain I did not want to miss it. Diwali is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. The celebration is a festival that acknowledges the triumph of good over evil. It is our New Year celebration and it coincides with the dates of the moons. A fun fact about Hindus, the calendar is dictated by the moon. The festival also celebrates new beginnings, hence why it is considered an auspicious time. Rangolis are used during Diwali and they are artwork made out of materials such as powdered lime stone, red ochre, dry rice flour, colored sand, quartz powder, flower petals, and colored rocks to create designs on the floor or table.
Another thing used is diyas. They are clay pots that hold candles and are placed throughout the house to welcome light. When I was younger, we would create our own diyas to ask goddess Lakshmi to bless us and the belief in our faith is that turning on the porch lights welcome her too. Goddess Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity which is why many want to welcome her into their homes.
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