In browsing Diwali events in Pittsburgh, I noticed a shortage in the acknowledgment of the celebration. I know my neighborhood of Upper St. Clair is very rich in South Asian and Indian cultures, and I always love the vibrancy and beauty of the culture. That said, we will make it our job to seek inclusivity and see the celebration more acknowledged in Pittsburgh and the South Hills.
Thankfully, Diwali just recently became a Pennsylvania State Holiday after Governor Sharpiro passed a new law. A significant moment for the state, Pennsylvania is rich in the diverse cultures that partake in Diwali each year. The law will designate the 15th day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik as "Diwali Day" every year. It takes effect immediately, meaning the upcoming festival, which will be celebrated Oct. 31 through Nov. 1, will be the first official celebration under the new law.
I’d love to use this article to educate us about the tradition and celebration of Diwali, learn about the culture, and embrace the celebration which is acknowledged by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists. Diwali is a five-day festival that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The name Diwali derives from the Sanskrit word dipavali, which means “row of lights,” and the celebration is more commonly known as the Festival of Lights.
Local families celebrate together with friends and family and rejoice in the light of one another’s company while preparing for a fruitful year ahead.
Diwali Family Traditions
- Decorating: Families decorate their homes with rangoli, torans, flowers, and clay diyas. Rangoli is a colorful artwork made from rice powder, sand, flowers, or paint, and is said to bring good luck.
- Exchanging gifts.
- Buying new clothes: Think of Diwali as the American “New Year” – bringing in the fresh and new is common, as is reflecting on the past.
- Eating sweets: Families prepare Indian sweets, known as "mithai", in the days leading up to the festival. Eating sweets is an old tradition and is seen as an offering to the gods.
- Lakshmi Puja: A ritual is performed to invite the Goddess Lakshmi into the home and pray for peace, wealth, and prosperity in the New Year.
- Preparing a festive meal.
- Playing games.
- Setting off firecrackers.
- Sharing traditional stories.
- Sprucing up the home, buying new clothes, enjoy parties, feasting, and exchanging gifts.
Local Diwali Parties and Events
South Fayette Library hosts an annual Diwali Family Night, this year it was held on October 23rd
Baldwin Library also celebrates the Festival of Lights on October 30th.
South Side Diwali Celebration held on Saturday, November 9th at Avalon Social
Bollywood Dance Nightclub Event - Saturday, November 2nd
