Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains all over the world. The festival usually occurs in October or November and is a time of prayer, fellowship, and feasting. Here are some ways people celebrate Diwali:
- Spending time together: People often visit their relatives during Diwali to spend time and celebrate the holiday with their loved ones.
- Cooking up a feast: While together, cooking and eating is a way that Diwali is celebrated among family and friends. A variety of sweet and savory Indian delicacies are made and shared between people.
- Lighting up the holiday: Lights and diyas (lamps) are also lit throughout the streets and in houses to celebrate Diwali. Lanterns can be released into the sky by a group of people as a symbol of celebration.
- Watching fireworks: During the night, people often gather together to watch vibrant firework displays continuing the holiday celebrations after the sun sets.
- Exchanging gifts: Exchanging gifts between loved ones can also be an important part of Diwali celebrations, with sweets, clothing, jewelry, and firecrackers.
Other traditions include dressing up, creating rangolis, and sharing sweets. It is also traditional to shop for new clothes, jewelry, and household items, like kitchen utensils and decorations, and to clean up the home to make way for the fresh, positive energy of a new year.
