Earlier this month, my fiancé and I celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights in Walpole and in Medway.
Diwali is an important holiday in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, and is celebrated by some Buddhists (1,2). It represents the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali is celebrated over 5 days, typically in late October and November, and the actual dates vary due to the lunar calendar. People celebrate the festival differently based on the region. One common tradition is to light diyas, which are small lamps with oil, on the evening of the new moon to invite the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.
This year, Diwali was from November 10 - 15 (3). The organization Be Inclusive hosted a Diwali Celebration at the Walpole Council On Aging in early November. The evening was filled with performances, activities, vendors, and delicious Indian food from 1947 based in Norwood. Be Inclusive supports inclusive communities, and plans events throughout the year to celebrate and raise awareness of diverse cultures. Keep an eye out on their website for their other upcoming events.
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| Be Inclusive's Diwali Celebration Organizers and Volunteers |
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| Dance Performance at the Medway Diwali Festival |
We enjoyed learning about Diwali and participating in the festivities, and we are looking forward to celebrating Diwali again next year! Read more about Diwali from Britannica, Indiatimes, and National Geographic.
