Diwali is a primarily Hindu celebration that represents the “Festival of Lights” and marks the day that good overcame evil in Hindu mythology. This particular holiday is celebrated on a grand scale by more than a billion people with the most celebrators being in India. While Diwali is a Hindu celebration, it is commemorated by religions such as Jainism and Sikhism. This year, Diwali began on Friday, Nov. 10 and concluded on Tuesday, Nov. 14. 

“My favorite part about Diwali is seeing all my friends go to the stage and dance and hanging out with friends and family,” junior Madhav Variyam said. “Diwali is unique because it’s focused on happiness, dancing and it’s more catered towards everybody.” 

During the five days of Diwali, people engage in various activities such as decorating their houses, dressing in traditional clothes, exchanging gifts, going to traditional dance events and preparing savory and sweet Indian snacks to share with others.

“To celebrate Diwali we had a family gathering, ate a bunch of food, and then we have a dance celebration happening on Saturday,” junior Isha Valloppilly said. “My best memory of Diwali was when I was young, we would do dances on the stage for the whole Indian community in Lincoln.”

On Saturday, Nov. 18, the India Association of Nebraska Lincoln will be hosting a Diwali Night at 5:00 p.m. where people will be welcome to celebrate the traditions of the holiday. 

Diwali has been celebrated for over 2500 years and brings people of different backgrounds and religions together. The date Diwali is celebrated changes every year based on the Hindu lunar calendar. As Diwali comes to an end this year, people will have to wait until next fall, Thursday, Oct. 31 for the Diwali celebrations to return.