Rooms covered in lights. Fireworks. Feasting. And (for some observers) a goddess of wealth and prosperity. Yes. Count me in. It’s time to celebrate Diwali.
Diwali is a Hindu Festival celebrated on the darkest new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika. If that seemed confusing, then know that means the day falls on the Gregorian calendar (the one most people use around the world for non-religious purposes) between mid-October and mid-November. This year it falls on November 11th.
The specifics of the holiday vary widely across the Hindu world. In parts of Northern and Western India it is part of a five day festival, that includes a focus on family relationships. Other regions and sects celebrate various religious attainments of their historical leaders. Common theme throughout the Hindu world are family, faith, and celebration.
One of the most distinct visual representations of the holiday is the arrangements of lights. To honor this holy day, here is an offering of visuals from around the world, with a special thank you to twitter and Instagram for making sharing the beauty of this holiday way easier.
Arko Datto visited Kolkata to see how #Diwali is celebrated by some of the city’s poorest https://t.co/FFkUZ1D7cgpic.twitter.com/XF1y4BKbO3
— Guardian Travel (@GuardianTravel) November 11, 2015Fireworks, food or festivities - how are you celebrating #Diwali? Here's a few ideas https://t.co/KmaHcmI7i1pic.twitter.com/K6zs21BguH
— BBC_HaveYourSay (@BBC_HaveYourSay) November 10, 2015PM: Let me wish you a happy and peaceful #Diwali and a prosperous New Year. https://t.co/8GaQ1xoKAm
— UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) November 11, 2015However you’re celebrating Diwali, I hope that is it full of fun, family, prosperity and light.