Celebrated by millions in India, primarily by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and a few of the Buddhists, Diwali, the Festival of Lights, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival marks various historical events depending on the region, but mainly it is celebrated as the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana or the day. Common themes of Diwali include worshiping Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and Lord Ganesha for wisdom and new beginnings.
The festival typically spans five days, with each day holding its own significance.
How to Celebrate Diwali as an Expat
Engage in Traditional Rituals
1) Participate in Puja: Most families perform a puja (prayer ritual) on Diwali night, especially dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. As an expat, you can join local families or community events that welcome participation from newcomers.
2) Decorate Your Space: Embrace the spirit of Diwali by decorating your home with Diyas (oil lamps), Rangoli (colorful floor designs), and flowers. Consider inviting friends over for a DIY decoration session—this can be a fun way to bond while learning about local customs.
3) Clean Your Home: A common practice before Diwali is cleaning and organizing your living space, symbolizing the removal of negativity and welcoming prosperity.
Connect with Local Communities
Attend Community Events: Many cities host public celebrations featuring cultural performances, fairs, and fireworks displays. Check local listings or social media groups for events that are expat-friendly.
Join Expat Groups: Connecting with fellow expats can provide a sense of community during this festive time. Look for groups that organize gatherings or potlucks specifically for Diwali.
Where to Celebrate
Popular Locations
Local Temples : Temples often hold special Diwali events that include prayers, cultural programs, and community meals.
Cultural Centers : Many cities have cultural organizations that celebrate Diwali with fairs showcasing traditional music, dance, and food.
Neighborhood Celebrations : Engage with your neighbors by participating in local festivities or visiting their homes for celebrations.
Food to Enjoy During Diwali
Food plays a central role in Diwali celebrations. Here are some must-try dishes:
Traditional Sweets
Gulab Jamun : Soft dumplings made from khoya (milk solids) soaked in sugar syrup flavored with cardamom and rosewater.
Kaju Katli : A smooth, thin fudge made from cashews and sugar, known for its melt-in-the-mouth texture and often flavored with cardamom or rose water.
Barfi : A dense, milk-based sweet that comes in various flavors, such as pistachio, coconut, or chocolate.
Ladoo : Round sweets made from various ingredients like gram flour (besan), coconut, or semolina, often flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts.
Rasgulla : Soft and spongy cheese balls soaked in sugar syrup, originating from Bengal.
Peda : A soft, milk-based sweet often flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts.
Soan Papdi : A flaky, sweet confection made from gram flour and sugar, often flavored with cardamom and garnished with almonds or pistachios.
For those looking for healthier options, consider milk-based desserts like Shrikhand or Kheer made with natural sweeteners like jaggery instead of refined sugar.
Savory Dishes & Namkeen
Samosas : Fried or baked pastry filled with spiced potatoes or lentils
Namak Pare : Crunchy, spiced diamond-shaped bites made from wheat flour, often enjoyed with tea
Murukku : A South Indian snack made from rice flour and lentil flour, twisted into spirals and deep-fried until crispy
Mathri : A flaky, spiced cracker that makes for an excellent tea-time snack or festive treat
Paneer Tikka : Grilled cubes of marinated paneer (Indian cottage cheese) served with mint chutney.
Chole Bhature : Spicy chickpeas served with deep-fried bread.
Dahi Vada : Soft lentil dumplings soaked in yogurt and topped with spices; this dish adds a refreshing touch to the savory spread
Activities to Partake In
- Fireworks and Sparklers : If permitted in your area, enjoy lighting fireworks or sparklers with friends and family to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.
- Card Games : Hosting card games is a popular tradition during Diwali gatherings among friends and family.
- Cultural Workshops : Participate in workshops that teach traditional crafts like making diyas or creating rangoli designs.
- Cooking Classes: Join cooking classes focused on preparing traditional Diwali dishes; this can be a fun way to learn new recipes while meeting people.
Celebrating Diwali as an expat not only allows you to experience Indian culture firsthand but also fosters connections within your community. It provides an opportunity to learn about diverse traditions while sharing your own cultural background. Engaging in these festivities can help alleviate homesickness and create lasting memories during your stay in India.
To know more about the Indian culture, Expatria provides cultural training and orientation services to assist expatriates in navigating their new environment effectively.
To know more about , call us at +91-95991-98950 or write to us at enquiry@expatria.in
