This year Indian student Utkarsha V. introduced her fellow students to one of India’s most festive holidays, Diwali, by staging a similar celebration in Cusco, Peru, as she would have experienced back home in New Dehli. Below you can find media from the celebration and a description of Diwali by Utkarsha herself.
Diwali is an Indian Hindu festival that has been around for centuries as it is based on the epic Ramayana.
Based on the epic poem Ramayana, Diwali is an Indian Hindu festival that has been around for centuries.
Diwali, directly translated to the festival of lights, signifies the victory of good over evil. Although Diwali traditions have changed over the centuries, at its core, Diwali involves lighting hundreds of candles – commonly known in India as diyas- all around your house and in temples, public places, etc.
Furthermore, Diwali focuses on doing good and sharing the goodness. That is, the exchange of gifts not only with your friends and family but also with the poor and needy. Lots of different food types are specifically correlated with Diwali, however, sweets are easily the highlight of the festival.
Firecrackers are also a staple of Diwali, and the skies over India become a spectacular sight, with crackling, burning, beautiful colors lighting up the night. Perhaps most importantly, though, Diwali is spending time with your family, dressing up, eating amazing food, immersing in the culture, learning about the religion, and sharing goodness and love with everyone.
Diwali cannot be summarized into a few short paragraphs; nonetheless, if you have compassion, curiosity, excitement and love and kindness to give, you can celebrate Diwali anywhere with anyone!
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