Diwali is Hindu festival of lights and is also a major religious festival celebrated in Sikhism and Jainism. Diwali is celebrated throughout India, Singapore and several other South Asian countries as a national holiday.
Diwali celebrations are typically spread out over several days, and customs to observe the holiday differ between regions and cultures. In India, the holiday is typically celebrated over a five-day period, with the third day being the primary day of celebration. In many other countries, only the main day is celebrated. This year, Diwali is on October 20.
The name Diwali derived from the Sanskrit word “dipavali”, which means “row of lights”. The holiday symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, so candles and hand-crafted oil lamps called diyas are lit to celebrate. These lamps are placed in rows in temples, houses, and are even set out to float on water. Houses are decorated with rangoli, intricate patterns made of colored rice, sand, or flower petals. Fireworks are set off to both light up the night sky and ward off evil spirits.
Diwali is also a celebration of family and community. People will wear their best clothes, or buy new ones, and gather together to exchange gifts and eat special dishes and sweets. Gambling and card games are played to ensure good luck in the coming year.
You can check out some kid-friendly Diwali crafts here, browse our online library collection for books to learn about Diwali, and watch some Indian movies like “Life on the Ganges: Celebrating Dev Diwali on the Ganges River” and “Siddharth” for free on Kanopy. Be sure to ask a librarian for any other specific recommendations!
You can also join us for in-person Diwali celebrations at the Crestwood Library on Tuesday, October 21 and Friday, October 24.
Come celebrate the joy of Diwali with beautiful henna designs by professional artist Leena of @henna.by.leena
Adorn your hands with traditional or freestyle patterns — perfect for the festive season!
Time: 5:30pm - 7pm
Place: Crestwood Library 16 Thompson St, Yonkers, NY 10707
Contact: Z z@ypl.org
Time: 3pm - 5pm
Place: Crestwood Library 16 Thompson St, Yonkers, NY 10707
Contact: Z z@ypl.org
You are invited to a community celebration of Diwali.
Join MC Satish Gambhir and Manika Ghose as they bring cultural Diwali traditions to life through music (Satish on Harmonium), dance (Meena Chen plus other dancers), history of the holiday/traditional dress (Manika), song, and food.
Sweets provided by Yonkers NNORC.
Food donated by Spice Village, Indian Brothers Market, Neha Palace, and Bhavik Grocery.
Both of these programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
This program is also a partnership with Yonkers NNORC, WJCS, City of Yonkers, and Yonkers Public Library.
Alison Robles, a Yonkers native, received an MS in Information and Library Science from the University at Buffalo. She works at the Crestwood Library and is an avid reader with a passion for YA lit, historical fiction, and fantasy.