Diwali explained: What is it? (Can I take part?)

When exactly is Diwali?

The days of Diwali follow the Hindu calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar (that's the one we use). This means that the five days of Diwali aren't necessarily always on the same Gregorian dates each year.

However, you can usually count on Diwali being some time around mid October to early November. The third and main day, Lakshmi Pujan, is always on the new moon around this time.

UNSW's Culturally Inclusive Calendar marks Diwali on this main date, which conveniently happens to fall on Sunday, 8 November this year.

Is Diwali a Hindu festival?

Yes, undoubtedly. But the day of Diwali is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains and certain Buddhist communities across the world. For each of these religions, the new moon of Diwali marks something different and special:

• Hinduism
  Deepavali honors a number of things, including but not limited to:
  • The Goddess Lakshmi, who symbolises abundance and prosperity. Lighting oil lamps and setting rangolis (floor mandala art) acts as a ritual of inviting her into your home, bringing both material wealth and spiritual fulfilment.
  • Lord Rama's homecoming to the city of Ayodhya following 14 years of exile and defeating the demon king Ravana. Putting up lights mirrors the celebration of his return.
  • Several of Lord Krishna's feats, including defeating the demon Narakasura and sheltering his fellow villagers from torrential rains by lifting up Govardhan Hill on his pinky finger.
• Sikhism
  Bandi Chhor Divas commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind from captivity on the night of Diwali in 1619, along with 52 princes who he freed. The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab was lit with lamps to celebrate, establishing a tradition that continues to this day.
• Jainism
  Diwali celebrates the enlightenment of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara (spiritual pathfinder) of Jainism. As the night is dark on this new moon, lamps are lit to symbolise how knowledge acts a light when finding your way.
• Buddhism
  Certain Buddhist communities, such as Newar Buddhists, observe the day of Diwali for worship, as it marks the day of Emperor Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism.

Is Diwali just an Indian holiday?

No, actually. While Diwali's origins lie in India, it's really spread across the globe – just like the light that it celebrates. As of writing this, Diwali is a public and/or national holiday in India, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, Guyana, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Suriname, Sri Lanka, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Diwali has also gained popularity wherever there are diasporic populations that celebrate, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and, of course, Australia.

In the way that Christmas has expanded into a global and pop cultural staple, Diwali continues to grow into something more than just an Indian festival, spreading light, joy and culture wherever it goes.

Can I take part in celebrating Diwali? (And how do I do so respectfully?)

1. Attend community events for Diwali
   Nowadays, you'll find no shortage of local Diwali events organised by councils and cultural communities, including festivals, markets, parties and more. Check if your local council has organised anything via Multicultural NSW. If nothing else, you can always rely on Parramatta having something exciting.
2. See what your friends do for Diwali
   If you know someone who does celebrate Diwali as a part of their culture, they are your best source to learn about an authentic Diwali experience. There's a lot of diversity in Diwali celebrations, traditions and food, so there's always something interesting to learn about what Diwali is like for each friend.
   
   Disclaimer: Always approach a conversation like this with genuine curiousity, never an expectation for an invite. While Diwali is generally a very communal holiday, individual traditions may be more private.
3. Check out what UNSW student societies have organised
   There's, of course, IndSoc and HinduSoc, but it's always worth seeing what other Diwali student society events might be happening on campus.
4. Put your Christmas lights up early
   It's basically festive season once Halloween passes anyway, so take this as your very valid excuse to get your string lights up the moment the clock strikes 12am on November eve.
5. Hit the cinemas and check out Ramayana
   Love high-budget Hollywood action? So does India, actually. In fact, this year, they actually managed to lock in and produce their own blockbuster-level movie for international release. With IMAX cinematography, a Hans Zimmer score, DNEG VFX and everything! This one, however, adapts the Hindu epic, Ramayana.
   
   You can imagine what Ramayana is to India as what The Odyssey is to Greece. It narrates the life and trials of Lord Rama (who Hindus celebrate during Diwali, if you remember from earlier). If that sounds like your cup of tea, give it a shot!
   
   Ramayana: Rise of A Legend is releasing just in time for Diwali this year, how serendipitous (and genius for marketing).