Photograph by Martha Williams
Across North America, fall brings football, colorful leaves, and Thanksgiving. But for the thousands of Georgians of Indian heritage, and more than 2 million Hindus across the United States, the season also means celebrating Diwali, the most important holiday of the year in India. The observance is spread across a few days before and after the main day, Lakshmi Puja, when temples host elaborate services. The actual date varies from October to November, but it takes place this year on November 12.
Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali is a time when worshippers light clay lamps to celebrate the inner glow that repels spiritual darkness. Celebrations are rooted in traditions of oral storytelling and joyful revelry, including mounds of decadent treats, festive finery, and fireworks. For many, it represents their faith in the goodness of humanity.
Like all holidays, Diwali feels best when celebrants are making memories with loved ones. Shailaja Pandya of Johns Creek says, “My husband often procrastinates, but when he finally brings down the box of Diwali decorations from the attic, we truly begin to feel the joy of Diwali.”
From deep-cleaning the home to preparing seasonal treats and purchasing new clothes, each day is filled with anticipation. Richly illustrated storybooks, jewelry, and money remain popular gifts. Family elders look forward to reading to young ones, passing along stories that shaped their own childhood traditions. Preparations begin at places of worship for community theater productions that retell the treasured tales.
Families cook together, sharing traditional dishes across generations. Beena Rao Haritsa of Johns Creek says, “Distributing Diwali sweets to friends and neighbors was and is very much part of how we celebrate Diwali.” Local TV journalist Archith Seshadri usually gathers with his brother, his wife, and his in-laws for a luncheon. And Pandya says, though she used…
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