Diwali Beyond Borders: Embracing Light, Reflection and Renewal
messaging Light over darkness
For many of us in the South Asian diaspora, Diwali is a celebration brimming with childhood memories and traditions unique to our families and local communities. From arranging diyas, preparing an array of sweets, and putting on our finest clothes to gathering with friends and family, Diwali has become a time to connect with both our roots and our homes away from home. Each year, the holiday arrives with the warmth and glow of familiar rituals, yet it’s also a time to revisit the meanings and practices that shape our communities here in the diaspora—and in South Asia itself.
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The celebration of Diwali in diasporic communities is in its own way as rich and multifaceted as Diwali in South Asia, if not more so. Across homes, neighborhoods, and temples in places like New York, Toronto, London, Port of Spain, and beyond, we witness a vibrant blend of regional and family traditions, each adapting to its context, yet all speaking to the enduring themes of light and renewal. Indo-Caribbean communities, for instance, bring a unique layer to Diwali observances, tracing practices back to their ancestors who, during the colonial period, carried these traditions from India to the Caribbean, where they blossomed into something both familiar and distinct. The Caribbean celebration of Diwali often involves grand street parades, communal gatherings, and cultural performances, affirming resilience and community bonds, and these expressions continue to enrich Diwali celebrations in the global diaspora.
Beyond the Diyas: Pluralistic Traditions of Diwali
While many of us may have grown up associating Diwali with the story of Lord Rama returning to Ayodhya after his exile, the holiday takes on different forms and narratives across communities. For Jains, Diwali marks the nirvana of Lord Mahavira, a moment of profound spiritual liberation. In Sikh communities, Bandi Chhor Divas celebrates Guru Hargobind’s release from prison and is a symbol of freedom and justice. And in Nepal, Buddhists celebrate Diwali in connection to Emperor Ashoka’s embrace of Buddhism, marking a transformation toward peace.
Diwali in Odisha
In Odisha, Diwali is celebrated with a distinct regional flavor, honoring the ancestors through rituals known as Kauriya Kathi. Families light jute-stem torches and wave them to invite and remember their ancestors. Odisha’s traditions also include Lakshmi Puja, worshipping the goddess of wealth, and preparing traditional sweets like mandap and kakara. These unique practices bring together the spirit of Diwali while emphasizing Odisha's own cultural heritage.
These diverse observances are a reminder that Diwali is not a single story or practice; it’s a shared experience, interpreted and reinterpreted through countless lenses. The common thread—be it in India, the Caribbean, or the United States—is a commitment to remembering, honoring, and sharing in the light we can bring to each other. The nuances of these celebrations, even within one’s own family, add depth to the holiday, prompting us to see Diwali as a collective reflection on our varied histories, values, and expressions of joy.
A Critical Lens on Caste and Inclusion
Yet as much as Diwali celebrates unity and light, it is also a moment to question: Who is included in our celebrations, and who is left out? Caste dynamics, for example, continue to shape social spaces and roles, even in diaspora communities. In India, and in some South Asian diaspora contexts, Diwali can reveal these enduring divisions—whether in who performs specific rituals or who has access to certain religious spaces. In the diaspora, however, we also see movements within our communities that strive for a more inclusive celebration, emphasizing Diwali’s potential to bring people together regardless of caste, class, or creed.
In exploring the symbolism of Diwali, especially the narrative of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, some critiques focus on how certain aspects of the story reinforce social hierarchies and exclusionary norms. For instance, the story traditionally celebrates the "triumph of good over evil" as embodied by Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya. However, some scholars and activists point out that the portrayal of Ravana, who is often associated with Dravidian identity and south Indian heritage, can inadvertently uphold caste-based and ethnic stereotypes.
The narrative positions Rama, as a symbol of Aryan virtues, against Ravana, sometimes depicted as a representation of indigenous or marginalized groups. This dichotomy has led to uncomfortable questions within South Asia and the diaspora about how Diwali's symbolic structures may unconsciously uphold caste or regional hierarchies. Some Dalit and anti-caste activists suggest that the holiday could be reimagined in ways that emphasize the festival’s broader themes of renewal and light, without reinforcing narratives that might alienate marginalized identities. Embracing this critical lens can deepen Diwali’s message of unity by acknowledging and evolving beyond these historical and cultural critiques.
Celebrations in Delhi where air pollution and Diwali celebrations are now an annual issue
Environmental Impact and Sustainable Celebrations
Communities, particularly in South Asia and particularaly in cities, have begun addressing Diwali’s environmental impact. The use of firecrackers—introduced as a relatively recent addition to Diwali festivities—has become an environmental and health concern, especially in densely populated urban areas. In many places, air quality worsens dramatically during Diwali due to firecrackers, which poses serious risks to health and contributes to long-term environmental harm.
The call for a “green Diwali” has resonated across generations, especially among younger members of the diaspora, who are increasingly conscious of the holiday’s environmental footprint. Celebrating sustainably does not mean letting go of the things we cherish; rather, it invites us to celebrate with an awareness of the planet and each other’s well-being. This could mean choosing eco-friendly decorations, forgoing firecrackers, or finding alternatives that allow us to honor Diwali’s spirit without compromising our environmental commitments.
An Invitation to Illuminate and Introspect
Diwali is a holiday that brings us together, yet also prompts introspection. As we light diyas and gather with loved ones, we might also ask ourselves how we can further the values Diwali espouses. In our communities and in the world, light and darkness often coexist: issues of inequality, caste, environmental justice, and even economic hardship are as real as ever. Diwali’s timeless message reminds us that we, too, have a role in bringing about change, in shining a light on injustice, and in working toward a more compassionate, inclusive society.
So this Diwali, let’s embrace both the warmth of our family traditions and the broader call to renew, reflect, and uplift. May our celebrations be mindful, inclusive, and as full of meaning as they are of light.
From all of us at Hindus for Human Rights, may this Diwali bring you joy, renewal, and the strength to light the way for a more just and compassionate world.
This year Diwali and Halloween fall on the same day — leading to some amusing memes
Some Additional Reading:
For those interested in exploring Diwali’s cultural, environmental, and social dimensions further, here is some recommended reading (ain’t the internet grand ;) —
How Diwali fireworks have become a political issue during Delhi’s annual air pollution crisis
My Memories of Diwali Celebrations are Antithetical to India’s Hindu Fundamentalists
From North to South, Eas to West the Unique Colors of Diwali Traditions
When Diwali met Halloween: These hilarious memes explain rare festival crossover
For New York's Indo-Caribbean Hindus, Diwali is a fusion of East and West
By engaging with Diwali’s complexities and diversities, we celebrate not only a festival but also our shared commitment to a world where justice, compassion, and humanity are as enduring as the festival’s ancient lights. From everyone at Hindus for Human Rights, may this Diwali be one of reflection, renewal, and growth for all.