Happy Diwali!
Above: Diwali celebrations at the Mandir (Hindu temple) in Missouri City, Texas. Photo by Amyn Kassam (Flickr).
Diwali, the festival of lights, was celebrated by more than 2 million American Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs on October 26, 2011. It’s observed on the last day of the lunar calendar to celebrate the beginning of a new year. A traditional candle or “diya” is lit to symbolize victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
From the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program (APAP), we wish you and your family a Happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year!
HomeSpun is a national initiative of the APAP chronicling the stories of immigrants from India and later generations in the US. Share your favorite Diwali memories on HomeSpun’s Facebook page.
Note: Photo above is from Flickr, a photo sharing website, within the photographer’s specified creative commons license conditions of use.
Someday I would love to see this in person. Love the idea beginning of new, good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. 🙂