Diwali with a Bang

This is the High Holiday season in India. Navaratri was celebrated in its full nine-day glory in early October. Now we are at the end of Diwali, the mother of all holidays and celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs throughout India. As with most holidays in India, there are regional differences in celebrations. We suspect this five-day holiday is celebrated with far less enthusiasm among India’s minority Muslim population. However, since Diwali coincides this year with the end of the month-long Muslim time of Ramadan, there is joy for all to celebrate.

Guidebooks and local newspapers provided various bits of understanding. Diwali, which means “a row of lights,” is also known as Deepavali, Kaumudi Deepan and Dipalika. It has been celebrated for more than 1,000 years. Diwali is essentially the celebration of light over darkness or, more metaphorically, the celebration of good over evil.

Like Christmas, little white or colored lights are displayed outside and inside homes. From our apartment we can see strings of lights displayed around our neighbors’ windows and balconies. When buying some of these lights, we discovered the emerging global economy. The bags are marked “Diwali Lights” on one side and “Christmas Lights” on the other. Happy Diwali signs are displayed in Jay’s office building, on store fronts and in shop windows.

On the actual Diwali Day, doorways to homes are opened and traditional lamps called diyas are brought out. Diyas vary from the traditional clay oil lamp to the more durable brass oil lamps, to an ever-increasing number of lamps imported from China with tiny electric lights. The open doors allow good spirits to enter. On this day, also known as Traders’ Day, the Goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth and prosperity) is worshiped. Businesses open new account books and sweets are offered to customers. Many believe this is a propitious day to purchase gold. Gifts, mostly sweets and nuts, are exchanged. People dress in new clothes.

Noise is an integral part of the celebration. Some beat drums to drive evil spirits away. We witnessed a large parade one evening with drum-beaters and other merriment makers. Fireworks are everywhere! We read that on average, every Indian purchases Rs. 1,000 ($25 US) worth of skyrockets, atom bombs, fire crackers, sparklers, etc. Sections of streets are blocked off to allow individuals to enjoy their detonations and those of their neighbors. Our apartment complex locked Gate #8, not far from our apartment, and assigned it to be a designated detonation zone. At the first sign of darkness, booms and sizzling were heard. Skyrockets blasted colorful bursts into the dark sky. The festive booms continued until near midnight. Imagine the Fourth of July and Christmas going on simultaneously for a week. Happy Diwali….KaBOOM!