Diwali is a major religious festival in Hinduism, and is also celebrated in the Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist communities. The word is derived from the Sanskrit word “dipavali,” which means “row of lights.” It is celebrated over five days, starting on the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the 13th day of the light half of the lunar month Karttika. In the Gregorian Calendar used in the US, that corresponds to late October-early November.
In general, the holiday celebrates the victory of light over darkness. It is a time for visiting, feasting, helping the poor, exchanging gifts, and fireworks. One common tradition is the lighting of diyas, small earthenware lamps placed in rows along parapets or set adrift in rivers. Another tradition is the placing of rangolis. A rangoli is an elaborate design made of brightly colored rice, sand, or flower petals. They are placed in front of doors to bring good fortune to the home. We will have two rangolis in our libraries for you to enjoy. One will be made in the courtyard of Cupertino Library on Sunday, November 1, and will remain until weather or wear disperses it. The other will be inside Milpitas Library, near the children’s section, from October 31 to November 14.
The rangolis are not the only way SCCLD libraries are celebrating Diwali. Check out these great events!
Campbell:
- Paper Rangoli for Ages 3-12: Sunday, November 8, 10:30-11:30am
Cupertino:
- Decorate a Henna Candle with Artist Rachel Palacios: Wednesday, November 4, 4-5pm
- Diwali Concert with Arjun Verma: Friday, November 6, 7-8pm
Gilroy:
- Cultural Craft Workshops for Teens: Saturday, November 7, 3-5:30pm
- Henna Designs for Diwali: Sunday, November 8, 2-4pm AND Saturday, November 14, 2-3:15pm
Los Altos:
- Diwali Craft for Kids: Tuesday, November 3, 4-5pm
Milpitas:
- Diwali Celebration: Saturday, November 7, 2-4pm
Morgan Hill:
- Henna Art for Diwali: Saturday, November 14, 11am-1pm
Saratoga:
- Diya Painting for Diwali: Saturday, November 7, 12:30-2:30pm
- Henna Art for Diwali: Saturday, November 7, 12:30-2:30pm
- Family Bollywood Dance: Saturday, November 7, 3-4pm
We also have some great books about Diwali:
Source: Britannica Library Reference Center: https://library-eb-com.rpa.sccl.org/levels/referencecenter/article/Diwali/30695
