How to celebrate Diwali 2021?

Every year on the darkest night in the northern hemisphere, millions illuminate their homes and streets to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Diwali — also known as Deepavali — is the annual Festival of Lights. It is held on the darkest night of the Hindu lunar calendar and ushers in new beginnings just before the arrival of the new moon.

Diwali is widely celebrated in India and is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Newar Buddhists around the world. While Diwali stories and rituals differ between the faiths, they all honour the same thing: that good triumphs over evil.

When is Diwali 2021? 

This year, Diwali begins on Tuesday, November 2, but the main celebration falls on Thursday, November 4. The five-day event is usually held between October and November, with the third day being the most important. 

Each of the five days hold their own significance as faith, food, fireworks, family and charity come together as one during the festive season. Diwali also marks the last harvest before the northern winter.

How do people celebrate Diwali? 

Over five days, people celebrate Diwali by exchanging gifts, spending time with loved ones, eating and praying. All of this is traditionally done around grand displays of lights to scare off the darkness.

The first day, which is seen as auspicious, is devoted to prayers and preparations. People spend this day cleaning and buying new clothes and ornaments — gold and silver purchases are seen as particularly lucky.

On the second day, houses are decorated with vibrant clay lamps called diyas, to upend the darkness with goodness and purity. Rangolis — an elaborate design of colourful powders, flowers and rice — are also drawn outside the entrance of homes to welcome gods and attract good luck. 

The highlight of the festival falls on the third day. Families gather to pray for prosperity and rid the darkness and evil forces with an extravagant display of lights, candles, firecrackers and fireworks. 

The fourth day is all about the spirit of gift-giving as relatives, friends and neighbours exchange presents and best wishes. 

Diwali ends with a feast of traditional meals and sweet delicacies to celebrate the bond between siblings.

How do I wish my friend happy Diwali? 

Like any other holiday, wishing someone “Happy Diwali” will do the trick. You can send them a text or say it in person — even better if you can bring them a festive treat like jalebi or gulab jamun.

If you want to join in the celebrations, Diwali festivals are held by local governments and community groups across Australia every year, and are often promoted as the Festival of Lights. 

Blessing CALD is currently helding an exclusive interactice online Diwali exhibition, to introduce and spread the festive happiness to our CALD communities. Come join the event and celebrate this Diwali in a different and an exciting way now! Please visit event.blessingcald.com.au/covid-normal for event link.