I was first introduced to the Hindu festival of Diwali by a particularly hilarious episode of The Office. The holiday has also been in the news lately because of President Obama's controversial trip to India. But what is it, exactly? Since I'm going to the Diwali celebration in downtown San Antonio this weekend, I decided I better find out.
Diwali is called the "Festival of Lights" because the celebration involves lighting candles and lanterns. The multitude of lights are supposed to signify the banishment of ignorance (darkness), and the welcoming of knowledge (light). The religious significance of Diwali varies according to region and may be associated with the gods Rama, Kali, or Lakshmi, but the overarching theme is the victory of good over evil. (I think everyone, Hindu or not, should be cool with that.) Diwali celebrations also include the three things that all fabulous holidays have: fireworks, gifts, and feasting. Yesss.
I think we're going to have a great time this weekend! This is only the second city-wide celebration (it got started when San Antonio signed a sister-city agreement with Chennai, an Indian city on the Bay of Bengal, in 2008). Here's some info. and the website:
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Hemisfair Park by the Tower of the Americas
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
6:00 - 10:00 PM
*Live Entertainment
*Temporary Henna Tattoos
*1000 Diya Candle Floats
*Authentic Indian cuisine
*Spectacular Fireworks Display
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| releasing diya candles into the S.A. river |
