Diwali celebrations: Meaning and what happens during this special day for Indians

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a significant celebration observed widely across India and among Indian communities in various parts of the world, including Kenya, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, and others. The festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is not merely a religious event for many Indians but also a time to celebrate family, renew relationships, welcome prosperity, and embrace new beginnings.

The word Diwali originates from the Sanskrit term Deepavali, meaning a row or series of lights. A key tradition of the festival is the lighting of oil lamps, known as diyas, which are placed around homes, temples, shops, and public spaces to represent the victory of light over darkness. Lord Rama's return to his kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, as described in the Ramayana, is a central story associated with Diwali in Hindu tradition. Residents would light diyas to welcome Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, a custom that continues today.

For many Hindus, Diwali is also a celebration of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that Lakshmi bestows blessings of financial stability, happiness, and prosperity during the festival. Jains observe Diwali to commemorate the spiritual liberation, or moksha, of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. Sikhs connect Diwali with Bandi Chhor Divas, the day when Guru Hargobind Ji was released from imprisonment at Gwalior Fort, along with 52 other princes.

Diwali celebrations typically span five days, each with its own significance. The main festivities occur on the third day. Families clean and decorate their homes, creating rangoli patterns at entrances and adorning properties with small clay lamps, candles, and colorful electric lights. Many Hindu families visit temples or perform prayers at home, with Lakshmi Puja being a crucial part of the celebrations, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Other deities, such as Lord Ganesha, are also worshipped.

Fireworks, though a popular feature, are increasingly being replaced by quieter, more environmentally friendly celebrations due to concerns about air pollution, noise, and safety. Food plays a central role in Diwali, with families preparing and sharing special meals, snacks, and sweets like ladoo, barfi, jalebi, and gulab jamun.

It is customary for relatives, friends, and neighbors to exchange gifts and food as symbols of goodwill and affection. Shopping is also a significant aspect of Diwali, with many people purchasing new clothes, jewelry, household items, and gifts.

In Kenya, Diwali celebrations are notably visible in areas with established Indian communities like Nairobi and Mombasa. Temples, cultural associations, businesses, and families organize prayers, cultural performances, community gatherings, and other festivities to mark the occasion. These celebrations offer non-Indian communities a chance to experience Indian culture through food, music, decorations, and traditional festivities.