Derived from the Sanskrit word “deepavali,” meaning “series of lighted lamps,” Diwali is the symbolic victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance – giving the occasion its name as the Festival of Lights. Typically celebrated over the course of five days, Diwali is observed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists, and is India’s biggest holiday.
Falling on western calendars between mid-October and mid-November during the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartika, Diwali marks the occasion of Lord Rama’s return to his kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years in exile, as detailed in the epic Sanskrit book of Ramayana, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana.
According to our friends and neighbors at Hindu Americans of San Diego, Diwali is associated with Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity, with additional traditions connecting the holiday to Sita and Rama, Vishnu, Krishna, Yama, Yami, Durga, Kali, Hanuman, Ganesha, Kubera, Dhanvantari, or Vishvakarman.
However you may choose to celebrate and mark the occasion, we wish you brightness in your heart and home, and a very Happy Diwali and prosperous New Year for you and your family.
Also, Hindu Americans of San Diego will host a Diwali family gathering to raise funds for the Hindu Community Center on Sunday, Nov. 14th, at 4:30 p.m. at Stone Ranch Elementary School at 16150 4S Ranch Parkway. The last date to buy tickets is this Sunday, Nov. 7th. Download a flyer for the event here.