Written and illustrated by Cindy Seunarine-Martinez, Associate Director, Creative Services

Diwali is celebrated throughout the world by the Hindu culture to symbolize light over darkness. This auspicious Festival of Lights holiday is in celebration of Lord Rama’s return to Adodhya after years of exile. Growing up my Grandma would tell us stories from the Ramayana and Lord Rama’s 14-year journey. The best part of the story would be the beautiful ending when he returned home after defeating the evil Ravana. Diwali, which means array of lamps, started when the people of Ayodhya lit diyas inside and outside their homes to celebrate Lord Rama’s triumphant return and also good over evil. 

The Festival of Lights takes place on the darkest night in the month of Kartik in the Hindu calendar. In the weeks leading up to Diwali devotees clean their homes and also refrain from eating certain foods and drinks. Throughout the days leading up to the festival there are many functions held to celebrate different aspects of the occasion. These functions include prayers, singing of bhajans and acting out scenes from the Ramayana. On the night of this most beautiful holiday, while Hindus meditate they make offerings of fruits, flowers and sweets to Mother Lakshmi asking her to bestow her blessings for good fortune, health and happiness onto our loved ones. At dusk, they are joined by their friends and  family from other faiths in the lighting of diyas followed by a traditional dinner filled with delicacies and sweets.

Happy Diwali from The New York Public Library!

For more about Diwali, please see Celebrate Diwali: Books, Educational Resources & Virtual Events about the Festival of Lights.