When did the Diwali/Deepavali in United States of America start?
About Diwali/Deepavali in United States of America Holiday
The United States of America celebrates Diwali/Deepavali with a unique mix of cultures, traditions, and festivities. An annual holiday known for its spiritual significance to Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, Diwali is celebrated with great joy in the US. Every year during this season, millions of people come together to commemorate the festival with high spirits.
The festival of lights sparks a love for tradition. People decorate the houses and yards with traditional symbols, light up the sky with lovely fireworks, and dress up in their best attire to honour this special occasion. Diwali has a unique significance for each and every one of us. From Hindus, it is a celebration of their new year where families come together, light diyas, exchange gifts, and perform rituals to honour the Goddess Lakshmi. Jains mark this event to celebrate the day Lord Mahavir achieved nirvana. Sikhs commemorate the day Guru Hargobind Sahib was released from prison.
Diwali is the perfect time to bring joy to loved ones, reflect on our values, and deepen our spiritual relations. Let's come together this Diwali season to spread love, peace, and happiness!
History and Origin of Diwali/Deepavali in United States of America
Diwali/Deepavali, commonly known as the “festival of lights”, is a five-day long religious event celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs primarily in South Asia. However, in recent years the celebration has gained significant popularity in the US, with major cities such as Chicago, Houston, and New York City hosting festivals annually. Today, millions of Americans come together to enjoy the cultural significance and fun activities associated with this traditional holiday.
The origins of Diwali date back to thousands of years. In Hindu mythology, Diwali is celebrated after the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama, signifying the victory of good over evil. The five-day period is also held sacred to celebrate the stories of Vishnu, Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi. One significant story of Diwali is about the homecoming of Lord Rama from exile after defeating Ravana. The giant rows of diyas lit to welcome Lord Rama are commonly associated with this holiday.
Some of the other popular stories associated to Diwali are the one about Dhanavantri, the Ayurvedic God of Medicine, and the one about the safe return of Mahavira, the founder of the Jain religion. There are also modern day interpretations to this ancient holiday, including celebrating the ‘light of knowledge’ and victory of the human spirit.
Significance and Meaning of Diwali/Deepavali in United States of America
Diwali has deep spiritual meaning and significance for millions of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs living in the US. To many, this festive occasion signifies the triumph of knowledge and right over ignorance and darkness. It is symbolic of the victory of light over darkness. For Hindus, it is an important ritual that is rooted in generations of family tradition. The symbolic representation of Diwali – the lighting of diyas, candles, and chains of lights — is akin to the way light dispels even the deepest darkness. In the US, where many are so far away from their families, companies, and communities there is an important need to express the human spirit for connection. Diwali has become a platform to express this need in the modern day context.
Traditions and Celebrations of Diwali/Deepavali in United States of America
The five days of Diwali are celebrated in specific ways, depending on the cultural background of the celebrants. For Hindus, the first day is Dwadashi, the twelfth day. This is a day to perform special rituals for Vishnu, the preserver of Hinduism. On trithi, the third day, Hindus perform Lakshmi Pooja to welcome Goddess Lakshmi’s prosperity and blessings. On the fourth day, Goru Chaturthi, Hindus pray to Lord Muruga and perform rituals for marital bliss. The climax of the celebration is on the fourth day, Diwali or Deepavali, when Hindus light diyas and exchange small gifts.
The celebrations in the US are similar to India, featuring the rituals of lighting diyas, worshipping deities, and practice of fireworks and music. In addition, as the US is a mix of cultures and religions, many celebrate with festive activities, such as parades, parties, and community summits. Communities gather together to offer traditional Indian cuisine and sweets to signify true hospitality. Children also take part in the festivities by adorning traditional dress, singing and dancing to traditional music, and creating lanterns or clay idols.
Geographical Spread of Diwali/Deepavali Celebrations in United States of America
Diwali is celebrated across the country from the East Coast to the West. In the eastern part of the country, New York City leads the Diwali celebrations. The New York City City Police Department, in 2018, created a 20-minute movie on the five days of Diwali celebrations, highlighting its importance to the police and communities. The movie features the Hindu temple located in Jain Society of New York, which holds a week of Diwali festivities. The event attracts thousands of people, Hindus, Jains, and people from various faiths, coming together in the spirit of diversity.
The northern part of the US hosts the Chicago Diwali Festival, which has become one of the most popular events in the Midwest. In 2017, it celebrated its 10-year anniversary, where people from India, Asia, and America gathered for the celebration. The Diwali Festival of Lights is held at the Navy Pier, with a variety of activities such as kite-flying, traditional food, and concerts.
The Diwali Gala event, organized by the Desi Cultural Center, is a celebrated event in the Washington DC Area. The event offers food, dancing, and entertainment. It’s a great opportunity for families to meet each other and enjoy the festive season.
In the West Coast, Houston hosts its own Diwali festivities. Houston Diwali also known as “Celebration of Lights” is organized by the Hindu Community of Greater Houston. Every year, thousands join the Houston Diwali Mela for cultural performances, art displays, and fireworks. The Diwali event also features bazaars with traditional wears, jewelry, accessories, and artwork.
Modern Day Observations of Diwali/Deepavali in United States of America
As time progresses, the Western world has increasingly embraced Diwali in all forms, and many companies have produced special Diwali products related to the celebrations of this festival. Companies like Amazon, Macy’s, Party City, and more have created gifts, decorations, and wears dedicated to this special occasion.
In 2018, the White House celebrated Diwali for the first time, with President Trump and first lady Melania Trump joining the festivities. The President lit the traditional diya with other officials and representatives from the Indian American community.
Interesting Facts or Trivia about Diwali/Deepavali in United States of America
• The largest Diwali celebration outside India takes place in the US.
• The White House celebrated Diwali for the first time in 2018.
• Diwali is not a public holiday in the US, however many companies and educational institutions give the day off.
• The global celebration of Diwali is growing every year.
• At the Houston Diwali Gala, one of the largest celebrations in North America, traditional Indian utensils called ‘thalis’ are distributed to all attendees.
• Diwali is celebrated across four days.
• Different colors of Diyas are used to mark each of the four days.
• The traditional Indian game of ‘Pachisi’ is played during Diwali.
• People offer food items such as rice, lentil cakes, and sweets to their deity on Diwali.
• Gambling is common during Diwali as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
• The vegetarian delicacies known as ‘samosas’ are widely eaten during Diwali.
• During Diwali, Hindus exchange ‘shagun’ cards, which are symbols of good luck.
Holiday Wishes for Diwali/Deepavali in United States of America
• Wishing you a prosperous and joyful Diwali
• Let this Diwali bring light to your life
• May this Diwali bring you lots of happiness
• May the light of Diwali bring you good luck
• Celebrate Diwali with the light of knowledge
• Wishing you a happy and prosperous Diwali
• May the divine light of Diwali bring peace to your life
Holiday Messages for Diwali/Deepavali in United States of America
• Diwali is here and it’s time for joy and fun!
• Celebrate Diwali with the light of knowledge and wisdom
• Join the celebrations of Diwali and have a blast
• May your Diwali be filled with happiness and laughter
• Let this Diwali fill your mind and heart with peace
• Wishing you a sparkling and blissful Diwali
• Celebrate the festival of joy with your family and friends
Holiday Quotes for Diwali/Deepavali in United States of America
• “The festival of lights is just around the corner, may your life be filled with joy and prosperity.”
• “The burst of colors, the flash of firecrackers, and the aroma of sweet treats – Diwali is here once again.”
• “Diwali is here; it’s time to light the diyas, sing and dance with our near and dear ones.”
• “Let the joyous celebration of Diwali fill your life with peace, happiness, and prosperity.”
• “May this beautiful festival of lights bring you and your family good luck and success.”
• “The joy of Diwali and the warmth of togetherness make this day truly special. Wish you a Happy Diwali!”
• “Diwali is here, it’s time for us to unite, laugh, and celebrate the spirit of the festival.”
Other Popular Holiday Info about Diwali/Deepavali in United States of America
Diwali is celebrated primarily as a Hindu festival, however many other religions such as Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs also celebrate Diwali in India and in the US. Indian cultural icons, including Amitabh Bachchan, Ravi Shankar, and Sabyasachi, are often seen promoting Diwali in films and on primetime TV, helping to popularize the holiday among many in the western world.
The US has the perfect environment for Diwali celebrations – fireworks, festivals, and parades. Diwali events conducted in the US offer significant opportunities to share and promote the spirit of Diwali. The events in the US promote unity, bringing in diverse cultures and religions together, offering an opportunity to reflect on peace and prosperity.
Diwali in the US has grown exponentially in recent years. This year, various events are being hosted across the country, including the Virtual Diwali Festival in California, Diwali Gala in Texas, and Deepavali Festival of Lights in New York City. In addition, many tech companies in the US will offer Diwali celebrations this year, signifying the culture and spirit of the festival.
Diwali/Deepavali in United States of America Also Called
Diwali/Deepavali is also commonly known as the Festival of Lights, or Diwali, in the United States of America.Countries where "Diwali/Deepavali in United States of America" is celebrated:
FUN FACT:
In year 1992, Diwali/Deepavali in United States of America is celebrated on October 20 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!