Diwali, Indian Festival of Lights

Guidance for faculty

Diwali is a major festival celebrated across India and around the world, and it carries a profound religious significance for Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. Diwali dates change year to year because it follows a lunar calendar. Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs celebrate the holiday in distinctive ways and may request a variety of accommodations.

In 2024, Diwali is celebrated on Friday, November 1.

Hindus celebrate with worship at home and by going to temples, exchanging sweets with family and friends, fireworks and lighting of lamps. Hindus usually celebrate over three days beginning with Dhanteras, but the need for student accommodations is limited to the day of Diwali itself.

Many Jains observe Diwali by fasting, reflecting, and doing charity work along with worship and celebration.

Sikhs may do special prayers at a Gurudwara, a Sikh temple, and reflect on the sacrifices and teachings of their gurus.

Personal religious practices may vary among students. To be able to partake in celebration events, fasting, and worship, students may ask for various types of accommodations when classes, tests, or other coursework are scheduled or due on Diwali. For example, if a test is scheduled on Diwali, the student might need accommodation to take the test on a different day.

If a due date for an assignment or exam falls on Diwali, this verbiage can be added to your syllabus or as an announcement in Canvas: If you have any conflicts or observe any specific religious holidays that will lead you to miss classes this semester, please reach out to me so we can make arrangements for you to take an exam/submit an assignment on a different date.

Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs as the festival of lights, when homes are decorated with oil lamps called “Diyas” or “Deepas” symbolizing good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali is also known as Deepavali which means “a row of diyas”. Fireworks have been a part of Diwali celebrations for centuries, and are a significant part of the festival's cultural and spiritual fabric. They symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, and are a way to express gratitude and devotion to gods and goddesses.

Hindus

Diwali commemorates the return of King SriRama with his wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshman, to Ayodhya, his birthplace after defeating Ravana in a battle. SriRama and Sita are believed by Hindus to be the incarnations of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The people of Ayodhya lit lamps along the way to light their path in the darkness on a new moon day. Some Hindus also believe that Lord Krishna won over Narakasura in a battle and returned home the same day.

Jains

Diwali marks a spiritual milestone. Diwali is the day when Lord Mahavira, the last of the Jain Tirthankaras, attained nirvana, also known as complete knowledge and enlightenment. Lord Mahavira established the Jain dharma followed by many Jains worldwide.

Sikhs

Diwali represents the struggle for freedom. It celebrates the victory of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, from the imprisonment of Emperor Jahangir, along with 52 other princes, in 1619. Guru Hargobind refused to leave the prison until he could bring all the princes with him. While the story behind the festival varies across various parts of India, its core message and how it is celebrated remains the same.

Building an inclusive environment

Being away from home can be tough for students during these festivals. Organizing special events will help them connect with fellow students who also celebrate Diwali and celebrate their culture. The events could include lighting diyas and eating traditional Indian food including sweets.

Consider creating awareness campaigns in the broader student and faculty community about Diwali fostering a more inclusive environment. Diwali themed decorations in common areas at ASU are a great way to increase awareness about Diwali.

Gift boxes of traditional Indian sweets like kaju katli, rasgulla, barfi, or ladoos are sure to be a hit. Handmade Diwali cards, painted/decorated diwali lamps, candles, giftbox of firecrackers, traditional Indian clothes, jewelry will all make great gifts.