Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, under way. How it’s celebrated in South Florida

Every year between late October and early November, more than a billion people across multiple faiths celebrate Diwali, the Indian “Festival of Lights” that symbolizes light over darkness and the start of new beginnings. Homes are decorated with rows of flickering oil lamps, doorways are hung with mango leaves and marigolds and families and friends come together to exchange gifts. It’s the largest festival of the year in India — and South Florida is joining in on the celebration.

In Miami, hundreds gathered Sunday night in Wynwood to enjoy traditional Indian food, music, dance and dress. An even larger event, hosted by the Indian Regional and Cultural Center (IRCC) in Broward, is planned for Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Broward County Convention Center, in Fort Lauderdale.

Since 2011, thousands of people have attended that celebration. It’s an all-day event is steeped in Indian culture, but the organizers strive to represent different regions and traditions within the larger diaspora. It’s meant to be a day of unity for the local community, said Sanjay Gupta, co-chair of the festival for the IRCC.

“This festival doesn’t mean that only Hindu people are coming, or whoever knows about Diwali,” Gupta said. “It’s open to everyone.”

What is Diwali?

Diwali, derived from the word “Deepavali” which means “a row of lights,” is a five-day festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It’s an important cultural and religious event for the Indian community that’s celebrated mainly by Hindus as well as Jains, Sihks and Buddhists.

The dates of the festival are based on the Hindu lunar calendar and fall on the darkest night of the year, usually in late October or early November. This year, Diwali begins Nov. 10 and the main festival is observed on Nov. 12. Each day has its own rituals and traditions, but the third day is the peak celebration.

During Diwali, people may light traditional clay oil lamps, or diyas, and place them through their homes and streets to light the way. People also typically draw ornate designs on the floor of their homes using colorful powders. The geometric art form, known as Rangoli, is believed to ward off evil spirits and welcome harmony into the home. Celebrants will also share gifts and sweets, pray together and light fireworks on the first night.

What is the religious meaning?

Diwali is a major religious festival for Hindus, but is also celebrated by Jains, Sihks and some Buddhists. The origin story depends on the region, but all stories point to a theme of goodness overcoming evil.

The most popular story associated with Diwali is about the return of the deity Lord Ram, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana to their home in Ayodhya, after 14 years in exile. Hindus celebrate his defeat of the demon king Ravana and return home by lighting oil lamps and setting off fireworks.

In other parts of India, Hindus celebrate the victory of Lord Krishna’s defeat of the demon Naraka who is believed to have imprisoned women and tortured his subjects. Many Hindus also worship the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Goddess Lakshmi, and seek her blessings on Diwali.

Light is a common theme throughout many Diwali origin stories, according to the Times of India, and signifies a destruction of dark desires and evils, and a triumph of strength throughout the rest of the year.

Music, dance in Broward

The cultural center’s Broward event will include music and dance performances ranging from Bhangra to Bollywood, traditional Indian fashions and dozens of food, clothing and jewelry vendors. Hundreds of children, teenagers and adults participate in the dance performances and competitions for cash prizes. Groups practice for months to prepare their routine, Gupta said.

“It’s a high-end show, well-prepared, very well dressed [in] beautiful costumes,” he said. “In these ten hours, the performances are nonstop.”

While some performances touch on the religious stories behind Diwali, the overall event focuses on culture. The holiday’s main message — good triumphs evil — is felt throughout the festival, said Gupta.

“The prayer part is happening in the temple, here you are celebrating joy,” he said.

Lauren Costantino is a religion reporter for the Miami Herald funded with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and from donors comprising the South Florida Jewish and Muslim Communities, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald retains editorial control of all work.