Each autumn, millions of people across the world celebrate Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. Rooted in Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist traditions, Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
The Meaning of Diwali
At its heart, Diwali is about renewal, hope, and the belief that goodness will always prevail. The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning “row of lights.” Homes are illuminated with diyas and candles, representing inner light and the banishment of spiritual darkness.
For many, Diwali also marks new beginnings—whether through prayers for prosperity, the start of a new financial year in some regions, or the simple joy of gathering with family. Like family history, it is both deeply personal and widely shared: a reminder of resilience, community, and the values passed down from one generation to the next.
The Origins of Diwali
The celebration takes on different meanings depending on the cultural and religious context:
- Hindu tradition often connects Diwali with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, welcomed with rows of lamps (diyas) to light his way home.
- Jains honor Lord Mahavira’s attainment of nirvana.
- Sikhs commemorate the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from captivity.
- Buddhists in some communities mark it as the day Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism.
Traditions That Shine Across Generations
Rangoli is a traditional Indian art form where colorful patterns are created on the ground, usually at the entrance of homes, during festivals and celebrations.
Families celebrate by lighting diyas, decorating homes with colorful rangoli, sharing sweets, exchanging gifts, and gathering for prayer. Fireworks light up the night sky, creating memories that connect younger generations to centuries of tradition.
Much like genealogy, these rituals carry stories forward, reminding families of their heritage and the resilience of their ancestors. Many families keep journals, photographs, or oral histories tied to Diwali celebrations that become heirlooms for future generations.
Ways to Celebrate Diwali
Whether you’re in India or part of the global diaspora, there are many beautiful ways to join in the Festival of Lights:
Light diyas or candles: Families often place small lamps around their homes, just as their ancestors did. Consider asking an older relative how they decorated during Diwali in their childhood—these small details become family stories worth passing down.
Create rangoli designs: Intricate patterns at the doorstep symbolize welcome and creativity. Many families hand down rangoli techniques through generations, with each design carrying a personal flair. Documenting these designs through photos or sketches can preserve your family’s artistry.
Share sweets and treats: Recipes for ladoo, jalebi, or barfi are often closely guarded treasures in families. Collecting and writing down these recipes, along with the stories of who made them first in your family, creates a legacy as sweet as the treats themselves.
Enjoy fireworks and sparklers: Fireworks mark celebration, but also memories. Sharing stories about your first Diwali fireworks—or hearing your grandparents’ memories of theirs—can link generations through shared joy.
Exchange gifts: New clothes and small tokens are common during Diwali. Passing down heirlooms or documenting the meaning behind certain gifts can turn an ordinary exchange into a lasting tradition.
Offer prayers: Diwali puja is often dedicated to Lakshmi and Ganesha. Beyond prayer, it is also a time to honor ancestors. Many families use this day to remember those who came before—by telling their stories or setting aside a special diya in their memory.
Celebrate in community: Diaspora communities often adapt traditions to new places—street fairs, music, dance, and food festivals. Reflecting on how your family celebrated Diwali when they first moved to a new country can reveal resilience and creativity that deserves to be recorded.
Passing Traditions Forward
The Festival of Lights is not only about celebration—it’s also about connection. By recording family recipes, photographing rangoli designs, writing down stories of childhood Diwalis, or preserving heirlooms exchanged during the holiday, we ensure these traditions shine brightly for future generations.
Just as diyas light the night, family history keeps the flame of memory alive.
What traditions did your family celebrate during Diwali—or other cultural festivals? Record those stories, recipes, and rituals so they can shine brightly for generations to come.
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