Once per year, when the moon is perfectly aligned, lights brighten the night. Homes are covered with beautiful patterns, inviting blessings in. Loved ones come together and celebrate, hoping for prosperity, a good future, and positivity for all.
This is the celebration of Diwali.
What does FHHS know about Diwali?
This year marks the first time FHHS has had a day off for Diwali, so, many students may just be learning about it. According to an FHHS-conducted survey, which gained responses from students and teachers from various classes via Google Classroom and Instagram, 58% of students know why we have a day off on Oct. 20, and 63% have heard about Diwali, both relatively high percentages.
However, only 30% of FHHS know who celebrates Diwali.
Notably, 94.4% of responders want to learn about this holiday. Something anticipated by Ms. Cho, the AP of Foreign Languages and ENL, who noted, “Now that there’s an actual day off for the students to observe and celebrate the holiday, I think people are more interested in learning.”
Who celebrates it?
According to CNN Travel, Diwali is the festival of lights and is celebrated throughout India, Fiji, Nepal, Malaysia, and other countries with significant South Asian populations. This holiday is also getting more representation in Western countries, including ours, with increasing diversity and acceptance.
Diwali is a religious holiday mostly celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and even some Buddhists. Over the years, Diwali has grown immensely, becoming a major cultural event in India. The holiday may be celebrated by many people, but they all celebrate the same virtues: good, knowledge, freedom, and prosperity.
In Hinduism, some celebrate the return of Lord Rama and his wife Sita, both reincarnations of gods, from a 14-year exile after a great battle between good and evil. Along with this, some celebrate Lord Krishna’s defeat of the demon Narakasura, which led to the freedom of 16,000 girls from captivity. Some people towards the west celebrate Lord Vishnu banishing the demon king to the netherworld.
On the other hand, Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, the Day of Liberation, on October 21th (some celebrate the holiday on the 20th, also celebrating the return of Lord Rama).
On this day, Guru Hargobind was freed from wrongful imprisonment during the Mughal reign; however, he refused to leave alone and freed fifty-two Hindu kings with him. This day celebrates freedom, knowledge, and the unity between Sikhs and Hindus.
Jains celebrate Lord Mahavira, their final spiritual leader, who achieved nirvana/enlightenment.
Finally, Buddhists in Nepal celebrate Diwali to honor the day Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism.
Although all of these communities celebrate differently for different durations, some for a day, some for five, they share multiple common themes: good, knowledge, freedom, unity, protection, and light prevailing.
This is something highlighted in the survey as well, with a responder expressing their favorite aspect of the holiday is “the overarching message of cycles of renewal and the triumph of good over evil.”
This is something anyone from anywhere in the world can also appreciate and celebrate. Ms. Cho felt that same way, indicating “it’s a celebration of good over evil or knowledge or ignorance, celebrating the positives. We know what’s right and wrong, but because right has always been right. I think sometimes we forget to appreciate that idea, … so I appreciate that we’re celebrating positivity.”
How is Diwali Celebrated?
Diwali has become a big cultural festival, uniting all of India and more.
It is celebrated by lighting diyas, oil lamps, meant to guide light and prosperity into homes. Furthermore, they are meant to represent knowledge, positive energy, and the removal of negativity.
Along with this, Diwali is celebrated with decorations, firecrackers, sweets, and feasts, all shared among family and friends.
Mr. Tejiram, a foreign language teacher, celebrates with his family, mentioning, “I celebrate it with my mom, my sister, and nephews … We usually carry sweets over by their house and exchange stuff for Diwali.”
Lastly, one of the most significant decorations is rangoli, color patterns made with bright pigment consisting of rice, flour, sand, or petals. Displayed to create harmony and invite deities into the home, while also having the same effect as diyas. For others, Diwali is a five-day celebration, each day has its own significant meaning and traditions.
What does the addition mean for FHHS?
Diwali’s addition to our school calendar means many things for both students and teachers. “I feel like I am being seen by other cultures,” Mr. Tejiram said.
He also thought that for all students, its addition would lead to unity. “We get to have a good neighbor, so you understand everyone around you.” Ultimately, for him and many others, the day off means more time with loved ones preparing for the occasion.
Ms. Cho also believes that its addition is bridging the gap between us, declaring “it connects school to home, right? It’s not just American school. They have connected. This is something the holiday highlights.”
Meanwhile, those who don’t celebrate still feel Diwali’s impact.
Ms. Cho pointed out that for her, this was a time of reflection. As the AP of World Languages and ENL, she works around many different languages and diversity, and it can be hard to know the significance of every holiday. “I wasn’t even aware, so it helped me reflect, and I hope that this year or this exposure to Diwali helps others as well,” she shared.
Both teachers expressed the importance of appreciation, hoping students could learn something from Diwali.
Mr. Tejiram hopes students learn about “self-respect and being able to look at yourself beyond who you think you are.”
Ms. Cho believes, “It’s important that, you know, we’re exposed to it. So that we don’t forget that we are all people, basically teaching students humanity.”
