Image courtesy of WVPL
Many activities are slated for the coming days to celebrate Diwali
Diwali, or Dipawali, is India’s “biggest most important holiday of the year,” according to National Geographic. And with a culturally diverse commonwealth, even Gov. Josh Shapiro has signed a bipartisan bill into law to recognize Diwali as an official state holiday. So, as you see the images of Halloween dominate pop culture today, you can also take a moment to learn more about this important holiday in the Indian culture.
The name of the festival itself is a combination of the word “row” (avail) and “clay lamps” (deepa), per NatGeo. The festival is an important part of Hindu culture and involves Indians placing light outside of their homes “to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.”
As the years of celebrations have evolved, even non-Hindu communities enjoy the day, including those of the Buddhist faith. Somewhat like the Jewish holiday of Hannukah, the Diwali lasts over the course of several days.
Thanks to NatGeo, here are five days in the celebration, with the following traditions:
If you are ready to experience the diversity of another culture, or simply celebrate the holiday on your own, there are some local occasion to do just that.
Some local events include:
Guests are invited from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 9 to come out and celebrate Diwali with classical Indian dance performances by the Malvern-based Nardhana Academy of Dance. Children are welcome to participate in a themed craft, as well. Registration for this event can be done online here.
The library is hosting this event at its Ambler location, at 209 Race St. in Ambler. For more information, call 215-646-1072 or use the location’s form here to reach by email.
On Friday, Nov. 1 fro 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., families are welcome to drop into the Children’s Library at this Lafayette Hill-based library for a celebration of Diwali and Day of the Dead combined! Crafts will be on hand to honor both cultural events.
Children can make sparkly rangoli for Diwali, as well as fun calaca (skeletons) for the Mexican’ holiday of Day of the Dead. There is no registration required for this event, and all are welcome to drop in anytime during the open hours. The program is sponsored by Friends of the William Jeanes Memorial Library.
For more information on the crafting event, reach out to Eileen Denton, by phone at 610-828-0441 or email edenton@mclinc.org. The library is located at 4051 Joshua Road in Lafayette Hill.
A festive night of fun is slated for the Bharatiya Temple as they host a Diwali Dinner, along with a live magic show, on Sunday, Nov. 3. Tickets are $45 ahead, or $50 at the gate, with children 5 and under free.
The night will begin with a social hour at 5 p.m., with The Extreme Magic Show with Eric Wilzig at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. The Temple is located at 1612 County Line Road in Chalfont. For more information, call 215-997-1181. Tickets can be purchased online here.
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 1, the Art in the Barn studio will offer a Diwali Day Off event, welcoming children to experience a “day filled with creativity.” There will be a full, scheduled day of mixed media art. Children are asked to bring along a packed lunch. Ages 7 to 13 are welcome to attend. You can register for the event online here. Cost for the full day is $85 per child. Art in the Barn is located at 91 Rogers Road, in Furlong, Pa.
