Diwali
Diwali, widely known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most cherished and vibrant celebrations in South Asian communities around the world. It typically takes place in October or November and is based on the lunar calendar.
Diwali is rooted in many stories from Hindu, Sikh, and Jain religious texts, and the significance of the celebration varies amongst communities. For some, Diwali commemorates the Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of prosperity and good fortune. For others, the holiday honors the return of Lord Rama, another Hindu deity, after a period of exile. Through manipulation by Manthara, King Dasharatha was forced to banish Lord Rama to the forest for 14 years until his miraculous return. These narratives and others like them reflect Diwali’s broad cultural reach and its ability to hold multiple meanings while maintaining a shared spirit of celebration.
One important theme of Diwali is the triumph of light over darkness. During the observance, people place diyas, or small oil lamps, along roads and pathways to guide deities to temples. Celebrations may also include fireworks or garlands of lights. These rituals place an emphasis on spiritual light and the victory of good over evil.
In the United States, Diwali celebrations have expanded alongside growing South Asian communities. Some cities host large public festivals featuring music, traditional dancing, food vendors, and cultural performances. Temples and cultural centers across the country play a central role in preserving traditional practices. Many host prayer services, community meals, and family‑friendly activities.
Food is another important aspect of Diwali celebrations. Sharing meals and treats with family and friends is how many people honor the holiday. This can take the shape of special Diwali menus at restaurants, community potlucks, or simple family dinners. One popular dish served during Diwali is Gulab Jamun, or fried milk dough sweets. Also commonly eaten is Jalebi, made by deep-frying batter and soaking it in a sweet syrup.
Beyond its cultural and religious significance, Diwali in the United States carries a powerful contemporary meaning as it is a celebration of identity, heritage, and community resilience. For many South Asian Americans, the holiday represents a connection to ancestral traditions and offers an opportunity to share culture with the broader public. For others, Diwali offers a moment of reflection and renewal, encouraging values of compassion, integrity, and hope.
No matter how an individual may choose to celebrate, Diwali is a time to appreciate and honor one’s culture in a way that is meaningful to them.
Whether celebrated in homes, temples, campuses, or city streets, Diwali continues to inspire joy and the belief that goodness persists. The holiday’s message resonates across cultures, reminding us of the joy and connection found in celebrations centered around positivity and light like Diwali.
At the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX (OCRTIX), we believe that when people feel a true sense of belonging, they are better able to reach their full potential and succeed. We are committed to uplifting each Jayhawk by fostering a culture where each person is seen, heard, and valued. Honoring a variety of identities, cultures, and observances allows us to make the University of Kansas a safer and more welcoming space for everyone.