Cities are shining with candles and firecrackers. It’s all for a holiday called Diwali — or the Festival of Lights! This is one of the most important events of the Hindu religion. The festival is especially huge in India. But more than 1 billion people celebrate around the world. This year, people are starting their celebrations for the five-day festival on October 24!
A reader named Arya explained the name of the event. “Diwali” comes from a word meaning a row or series of lights. “Darkness is by lights,” Arya wrote to News-O-Matic. “The light represents truth, and the darkness represents evil.” That’s why so many bright lights shine for Diwali. People may burn candles or set off firecrackers. And many cities have fireworks shows.
“Diwali is one of the best holidays ever!” a reader named Ishaan shared. “I always celebrate by making diyas.” Those are small lamps that people light during the holiday. They’re often made of clay. But people can make another version out of paper.
Tanisha likes to eat sweet treats and buy new clothes for the event. And Roshni added, “We make designs with colorful powder.” Those designs are called rangoli. Artists must be careful. The slightest breeze could blow the art away!
People celebrate Diwali all over the world. And for those who mark the festival in New York City, there is some good news. On Thursday, leaders announced that Diwali will become an official school holiday in the city. NYC Mayor Eric Adams spoke about the change.
“It is long overdue to say to our Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist students that we see you," Adams said. "The of this city is extremely significant, and this is our opportunity to say that in a loud way.”
Sadly, there are also some challenges with Diwali. All the add a lot of smoke to India’s air. And the big nation already struggles with air . Officials have limited or banned fireworks in some areas. Leaders did this in 2021 as well. But spots such as the capital, New Delhi, still got dangerously hazy. Many leaders and other people are pushing for a pollution-free Diwali.
Still, Diwali is all about defeating darkness. So the festival keeps shining bright. Happy Diwali!
Updated October 21, 2022, 5:02 P.M. (ET)
By Ashley Morgan
