Dustin Purdy - Diwali

Diwali

What is Diwali?

Diwali is a festival celebrated across faiths but is the most important festival of the year in India and for Hindus. It is a five day festival where people take part in gatherings, firework displays, feasts, and prayers. The word Diwali comes from the word "Deepavali" which means "a row of lights". To celebrate, people light rows of lamps outside their homes to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Source

When is Diwali?

The dates of the festival are based on the Hindu lunar calendar, and which typically fall in late October and early November. This year Diwali falls on October 31 - November 1 and the five day festival lasts from October 29 to November 3rd. See below for details about the five day festival.

🙏 Other Holidays Observed During October

Sharad Purnima (October 5, 2025): Also called Kojagari Purnima, this Hindu festival falls on the full moon day of the Ashvin month, typically in October. Celebrations involve worshiping deities like Lakshmi and Krishna, offering flowers and sweets, and observing night-long vigils.
Valmiki Jayanti (October 5, 2025): This Hindu festival celebrates the birth anniversary of Sage Valmiki, the revered author of the Ramayana. Devotees honor his contributions to Hindu literature and spirituality through recitations and prayers.
Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti (October 2, 2025): In India, this national holiday commemorates the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement. While not a religious observance, it holds significant cultural importance, with activities like prayer services, commemorative ceremonies, and educational programs.
Sukkot (October 9–16, 2025): Known as the Feast of Tabernacles, this Jewish festival celebrates the gathering of the harvest and commemorates the period during which the Israelites wandered in the desert. Observances include building and dwelling in temporary booths (sukkahs), waving the lulav and etrog, and festive meals.
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah (October 16–18, 2025): Following Sukkot, these Jewish holidays mark the conclusion of the annual Torah reading cycle and the beginning of a new one. Celebrations involve synagogue services, dancing, and rejoicing with the Torah scrolls.
St. Francis Day (October 4, 2025): In Christianity, particularly within the Catholic tradition, this day honors St. Francis of Assisi, known for his love for animals and nature. Many churches hold blessings of animals, and some communities organize processions and feasts.
All Saints' Day (November 1, 2025): While celebrated on November 1, the observance begins on the evening of October 31, known as All Hallows' Eve or Halloween. This Christian festival honors all saints and martyrs, both known and unknown. Traditions include attending church services, visiting cemeteries, and reflecting on the lives of saints.