Facts and Froth
Jill Lowe
The auspicious Hindu Festival of Lights disperses the most profound darkness
Diwali is a multi-day festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains, and it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The main date for Diwali for 2025 is October 20, although it is a five day festival commencing October 18th, the start of the Hindu New Year.
The word Diwali (contraction of Deepavali as it's sometimes called) means “row of lights” in an ancient language of India, called Sanskrit. It is the biggest festival in India and most imortant for Hindus.
Comparable to Christmas, it is perfectly acceptable and common to say "Happy Diwali" to someone celebrating the festival of lights. It's a widely used greeting in English, and many people also use the Hindi phrase "Shubh Diwali". Of course it is always best to verify that Diwali is being celebrated.
Many Hindus recognize Diwali as a day celebrating the return of Prince Rama of Ayodhya, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshman after 14 years of exile. Prince Rama is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and an embodiment of dharma or righteousness; and Sita is an incarnation of Lakshmi, who is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Preparation for Diwali festival
New white-wash for homes, cleaning of homes, home decorations and invitation for neighbors abound. For all socio-economic groups, renewal and colorful flower decorations are in evidence. In the streets of Delhi, itinerants offer white-washing for homes, and flowers for decoration.
Weeks before, the whole atmosphere in families turn jubilant and colorful. Diwali festival is eagerly awaited by Hindus and Indians irrespective of their religion.
Vendors offering new clothes do brusque business.
Sweet vendors offer wares including traditional sweets - the confectionary and desserts of the Indian subcontinent, “Mithai.”
On the day of Diwali, people light the traditional oil lamps which are placed in verandas of houses and periphery. Homes are also decorated with colorful electric lamps and candles. The rows of lights have many iterations.
Very popular are decorations of homes with lights and oil lamps, called diyas.
Lanterns in streets and homes abound
This year, Diwali falls on October 18-22nd and brings a variety of events and festivities to the Chicago area, at restaurants such as Indiennne and Roop, but especially in our Devon neighborhood. Or if you are in London UK at the time, one might pop into Jamavar : of course with a reservation.
Veeraswamy : the oldest surviving restaurant on prestigious Regent Street, London, in its 99th year, has magnificent Diwali menus. Still open, even though some lease issues prevail.
Rangoli is a popular Diwali tradition - beautiful patterns made using colourful powders and flowers. People draw rangoli on the floor by the entrance of their homes to welcome the gods and bring good luck!
Explore this year’s Diwali celebrations throughout the city.
Photo of Jill by Joe Mazza, Bravelux inc.
Photos copyright © 2025Jill Lowe. All rights reserved
Images from Shutterstock license
