Here's a Step-By-Step Guide to Celebrating Diwali This Year
The annual "Festival of Lights" has arrived, so let's make sure you're doing it properly.
When it comes to fall's highlights (stunning foliage, chic coats, etc.) and beloved seasonal holidays (sending my love to Halloween), Diwali shines among the rest. Believe it or not, since Diwali follows the lunar calendar, the Festival of Lights is coming up sooner than you think—October 29th, 2024, to be exact. And since we've provided you with that calendar reminder, it's only right that we follow up with the specifics on how to celebrate this year.
The fall holiday, which is widely observed by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains all over the world, spans over five days. For Jains, it marks the end of the year, and they honor it in remembrance of Lord Mahavir, a spiritual teacher whose soul was liberated (this is how those within the Jain faith say someone physically passed) in 527 B.C. In the Sikh tradition, Diwali falls on "Bandi Shor Divas," the anniversary of Sikh leader Guru Hargobind's 1619 prison release (Hargobind was jailed for 12 years due to government fears about his growing religious influence). And for Hindus, Diwali signifies the beginning of the new year on the Lunar calendar—one of the reasons it’s celebrated on the New Moon, which is also the darkest night of the month.
Across the faiths, Diwali is all about good energy: welcoming new beginnings, attracting positivity and gratitude, and allowing light to overcome darkness. Jains will light lamps in honor of Lord Mahavir and his teachings of positivity and compassion; Sikhs light oil lamps and fireworks in memory of Guru Hargobind. In Hindu tradition, you gather with loved ones to worship the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, good fortune, and prosperity, and Ganesha, the god of new beginnings—both of whom you wanna have in your corner during Diwali. The goal is to have as many lights on as possible and lanterns and candles lit to guide Lakshmi and Ganesha’s path and invite them into your home.
The Diwali festivities technically kick off on October 29th and last for five straight days, with the big Diwali festival (aka Lakshmi Puja, to honor the goddess Lakshmi in her various forms) on the 3rd of November.
To make sure this year’s celebration is extra fun, we chatted with Neeta Bhasin, the curator and founder behind the annual Diwali at Times Square event, for insight. Keep reading for everything you need to know about this truly joyful holiday, plus some tips on how you can make your Diwali celebrations feel extra unforgettable this year.
Treat Yourself (and Others)
The third day of Diwali (when most of the actual parties happen) is a great time to invest in fun purchases, whether that’s gifts for your loved ones or just to have! “If you buy something on the third day, it will bring a lot of prosperity to your life,” explains Bhasin. And there’s a wiiide range of stuff to try to secure, says Bhasin, like “utensils, accessories, home goods, cars, or jewelry.”
Light It Up
Whether with lamps, string lights, or candles, setting up a bright display in the home is an intrinsic part of Diwali that anybody can participate in. “We have this belief that if we leave the lights on, Ganesha and Lakshmi will come to our house,” explains Bhasin. “I want everybody [in America] to light a lamp in their house and bring the light—everybody can be a part of this beautiful festival.”
Tidy Up
Diwali is all about inviting Lord Ganesha (the remover of obstacles) and Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) into your home. Many believe they grace only clean, well-decorated spaces, so it’s time to channel your inner Marie Kondo and thoroughly organize your abode, stat.
Cue Up a Solid Playlist
Time to channel your inner DJ for Diwali. There are quite literally hundreds of premade playlists out there to set the mood at your Diwali celebrations, whether you’re hosting an official celebration with family or planning a casual Diwali party with pals. Curate a lineup of your own fave dance tracks, and consider your playlist to be the perfect party contribution, especially if cooking isn’t your thing.
Check Out a Local Festival
If you're looking for killer performances, delicious food, and just all-around great energy, then I highly suggest you hit up a local Diwali celebration. Just consult good ol’ Google and look into fun Diwali celebrations near you. For example, the annual larger-than-life event held in New York City’s Times Square features a new year countdown, which is much more fun (and *way* less touristy) than watching the ball drop on January 1.
Support a Charity
Yes, this is usually a holiday for exchanging gifts with your loved ones, but do you know what? We challenge you to spread that wholesome Diwali love a little further this year. Need inspo for ways to embrace the giving spirit? We suggest connecting with a local food bank, donating to an organization you care about, or even paying it forward in line at a grocery store or drive-through. Keep that good energy holiday flowing throughout your community.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
Desserts and Diwali go hand in hand because nothing says gratitude and prosperity like sweets. (To be fair, desserts go hand in hand with pretty much everything—but especially Diwali.) Grab some candy to celebrate, or maybe finally try your hand at making your own amazing coconut ladoo and chocolate burfi. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either recipe.
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