As the world prepares to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, this year’s festivities are marked by new milestones and calls for broader recognition. Diwali, a major celebration in the Hindu calendar, symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, drawing together families and communities. While millions are set to celebrate in India on October 31, festivities are gaining traction globally, with the United States officially recognising the holiday in states like Texas, Pennsylvania, and New York. In Australia, the Indian community is renewing calls for similar recognition, hoping for a nationwide holiday to honour the cultural significance of Diwali.
Diwali in India: Traditions, Joy, and Spiritual Significance
In India, Diwali is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals of the year, celebrated with unmatched fervour and joy. Starting with Dhanteras, the five-day festival brings together rituals, family gatherings, and customs that promote positivity and renewal. On Dhanteras, celebrated two days before Diwali, purchasing gold, silver, or household items believed to bring prosperity is traditional. As families prepare, homes and streets are meticulously cleaned, decorated with garlands, and illuminated with rows of diyas (oil lamps) and electric lights, symbolising new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil.
One of Diwali’s most integral aspects is worshipping Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Families light lamps and leave windows and doors open to guide the goddess into their homes, seeking her blessings for prosperity in the coming year. Another beloved tradition is the creation of rangoli—beautiful, colourful patterns made from powders, rice, or flowers—at home entrances to invite good fortune and positivity. Friends and family exchange sweets and gifts, celebrating togetherness and the joy of renewal.
The Diwali celebrations continue to bring new significance each year, serving as a unifying moment for people of all faiths and backgrounds across India. Diwali’s magic radiates from bustling markets to serene temple rituals across every corner of the country.
Growing Recognition of Diwali in the U.S.
As Diwali’s glow reaches worldwide, this festival of lights is gaining unprecedented recognition in the United States, showcasing the nation’s commitment to cultural diversity. Pennsylvania was the first state to declare Diwali a public holiday, with Texas and New York following suit. Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania highlighted this milestone as a testament to inclusivity and respect for all traditions. For the Indian-American community, the holiday offers a rare opportunity to celebrate their heritage on an official day, reflecting the profound cultural contributions they’ve made in their communities.
New Jersey has also embraced Diwali, while New York, renowned for its cultural diversity, will now observe the holiday, creating opportunities for communities of different backgrounds to come together. These states have set a precedent, as others consider the same recognition. Diwali in the U.S. highlights the growing appreciation for diverse cultural practices and the positive social impact of honouring them.
Australia’s Indian Community Calls for Diwali Recognition
While Diwali celebrations flourish, Australia’s Indian community advocates for similar official recognition. Sai Paravastu, president of the Hindu Council of Australia, has emphasised the festival’s importance in uniting communities and fostering cultural understanding. “Hindus from 32-plus countries have made Australia home,” Paravastu said. Recognising Diwali as a national holiday, he believes, would invite Australians from all backgrounds to learn about Hindu customs, attend celebrations, and visit temples to experience the rich traditions firsthand.
Melbourne resident Swati Sharma was inspired by New York’s move to recognise Diwali officially, and she recently launched a parliamentary petition urging Australia to declare it a national holiday. “Indians are a significant part of the population,” Sharma noted, pointing out that holidays are often granted for national events like the AFL Grand Final. According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, there are over 750,000 people of Indian descent in Australia, making them the second-largest migrant group. Federal Parramatta MP Andrew Charlton has also voiced his support for recognising Diwali in Australia, telling Parliament that all Australians should celebrate the festival.
Major Australian retailers like Woolworths and Coles and some local councils have already begun recognising Diwali through in-store decorations and special displays. This trend reflects the growing impact of the Indian community, and the community hopes that state and territory governments that set public holidays will support broader official recognition.
Diwali 2024: Dates, Timings, and Global Celebrations
As Diwali 2024 approaches, celebrations will begin on Thursday, October 31, with families in India gathering for Lakshmi Puja between 5:36 PM and 6:16 PM IST. The occasion promises to illuminate homes and hearts across India and around the globe, highlighting the universal values of hope, unity, and light overcoming darkness. Diwali is also recognised as a public holiday across countries like Fiji, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, South Africa, and Trinidad and Tobago, emphasising its message of peace and togetherness worldwide.
As this year’s Diwali approaches, the expanding recognition of the holiday reaffirms its message of hope and unity for communities around the globe. With lights illuminating cities worldwide and diverse communities celebrating side-by-side, Diwali 2024 is set to be a truly global festival of lights.
