What is Diwali?
Artwork by Stephanie Singh exclusively for Caribbean Collective Magazine
written by CC Mag
Diwali which is also referred to as Deepavali or Diwali, is the Hindu Festival of Lights. Celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartik, the festival occurs during the darkest night of the lunar month. Diwali which is on Oct. 24 this year, symbolizes good’s triumph over evil.
The West Indies is home and the motherland to millions of Hindu Indo Caribbeans who celebrate the festival through food, culture and bonding with family and friends.
[Additional Read: 10 Ways to Commemorate Indian Arrival Day]
Diwali can be compared to Christmas which brings together family, friends, and culture in a culmination of decor, lights and food.
Hindu Bhajans or devotional songs such as “Jai Lakshmi Mata,” are played and sung throughout households. On a deeper level, Diwali symbolizes removing darkness from one’s heart –jealousy, anger, envy and more. Devotional prayers and ceremonies are offered to the goddess Lakshmi who symbolizes prosperity, fertility and beauty. Diyas which are candles, can be lit over a 13-day period –each one representing lighting the way for something positive such as good health, joy and more to be invited into one’s life. Home entrances are colorfully decorated with rangolis which are flower and rose petal patterns drawn on the floor.
Photo courtesy of Indra Persad Milowe
Food also plays a major role in Diwali. “Mithai,” a South Asian sweet, is central to the festival. Similar to a Christmas party favor bag, mithai is given to friends and family in small decorated boxes.
Indo Trinidadian visual artist Indra Persad Milowe whose work showcases Trinidadian folklore shares her childhood memories of Diwali.
“My fondest memory of Diwali growing up was with my extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins). As the first grandchild, I got a lot of attention. My grandparents had cows and would make an altar for them lighting diyas around them. My grandparents said they were also a part of our family and must join in the celebration.”
“ I enjoyed watching my grandparents devotion because the cows produced fresh milk for us to drink.”
Photo courtesy of Indra Persad Milowe
In 2022 Diwali has become a widely known holiday, especially in places like New York where there have been talks of making it an observed holiday. The proposed holiday could be effective for the 2023 school year. While many see this as a step in the right direction, the holiday’s current state of limbo has been met with criticism.
Contrary to popular thinking, Diwali has not yet been made an official school holiday in New York. According to the Department of Education, the holiday proposal is being held up by a state requirement of 180 school days.
While many hope the global holiday is officially recognized in New York –a melting pot and home to millions of South Asians, may Diwali leave you with a thought on unity and sisterhood.
“The diyas flickering in the dark Diwali night strengthen our determination to respect knowledge, family togetherness and a search for a radiant life.” - Indra Persaud Milowe -
