About Diwali
Diwali (also called Deepavali), the festival of lights, is a major holiday celebrated in various traditions by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists. India is the country where Diwali is most celebrated, but it is also celebrated around the world in various ways by communities from these religious traditions. For 2024, the holiday will last from Wednesday, October 30 to Sunday, November 3.
The central day of Diwali is always the fifteenth day of the month of Kartika in the Hindu lunisolar calendar, during which the night is the darkest of the month. Originally a harvest festival, Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil and wisdom over ignorance. People celebrate this holiday with decorating, shopping, gift-giving, feasting, eating mithai (sweets), setting off fireworks and firecrackers, and prayers.
Celebrating Diwali
The word Diwali means "row of lights." Lights and colors are a significant feature of Diwali celebrations, which feature many diyas, or oil lamps. Sometimes these lamps are set adrift on streams or rivers. The holiday also commonly features rangoli, which are temporary, colorful designs made with rice flour, powder, sand, and/or flowers on floors and surfaces. Rangoli designs are often passed down the generations in a family, and are intended to welcome good luck and wealth into a household. Rangoli can be very elaborate and colorful.
SJPL Diwali Events and Books for Children
San José Public Library has many Diwali events this year, including storytimes and art activities for children.
Interested in learning more about Diwali? Below are some fun SJPL resources for children about this exciting holiday!
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