SACRAMENTO, California — Diwali, or Deepavali, which derives from Sanskrit and means "row of lights," is a widely celebrated Hindu holiday in India, South Asia and across the Hindu diaspora. It's a time for gathering with loved ones and committing to making the right decisions in life.
Celebrations include preparing foods, reciting prayers, singing songs and honoring Vishnu, known as the sustainer of the universe, and the Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Despite the holiday's origins, it's not only celebrated by Hindus — Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists and people of both Indian and non-Indian heritage also participate in the celebrations. Rituals and customs associated with Diwali vary based on different regions of India, but the holiday as a whole represents the same symbolic victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
Diwali is synchronized with the lunar calendar and usually falls between October and November. This year it will be celebrated Nov. 12. However, Diwali is not a single-day celebration — it also involves days of preparation and the festival spans five days, each of which have its own associated rituals.
Celebrations are already underway across Northern California. Here are some events you can attend:
Celebrate India's 6th Annual Diwali Mela - Festival of Lights 2023
Celebrate India will host its 6th Annual "Diwali Mela," which will include live music, a laser light show, photo booth, a free festival dinner and Diwali sweets, and more! Its 2019 event drew more than 3,100 attendees and was the biggest Festival of Lights event in the Roseville area. You can find more information and buy your ticket HERE.
Where: "@ the grounds" Event Center, 700 Event Center Dr., Roseville
When: Saturday, Oct. 28 from 2-8 p.m.
Cost: $6 per ticket; children under five get in free
Diwali & Annakut Celebration 2023
Enjoy the divine darshan of Annakut, a grand display of vegetarian dishes offered to God, rangoli (an ancient Hindu art form meaning rows of colors), food stalls and more. You can see photos of the celebration and register for the event HERE.
Where: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 10548 Armstrong Ave., Mather
When: Saturday, Nov. 4 from 12-7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Diwali Celebrations in City of Rancho Cordova
In partnership with the City of Rancho Cordova, Suvidha International Foundation is hosting Diwali Celebration: Festival of Lights. Attractions will include fireworks, carnival games for children, music and cultural performances, henna stalls, food served potluck style and more. You can find more information HERE.
Where: Stone Creek Park, 3625 Spoto Dr., Rancho Cordova
When: Sunday, Nov. 5 from 2:30-6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, at ISKCON Sacramento Center
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) of Sacramento will host its Diwali celebration that will include kirtan, an act of praising and glorifying some form of divinity through various ways such as poetry and dance, a free vegetarian feast, photo and tilak booth, henna and children's activities. You can RSVP HERE.
Where: 2424 Arden Way, Sacramento
When: Sunday, Nov. 12 from 4-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
GET MORE RACE & CULTURE FROM ABC10:
►Explore the Race & Culture home page
►Watch Race & Culture videos on YouTube
►Subscribe to the Race and Culture newsletter
We want to hear from you!
The Race and Culture team's mission is to serve our diverse communities through authentic representation, community engagement and equitable reporting. Accomplishing our goals of inclusive reporting requires hearing from you. Is there a person or place that you want us to highlight? Email us at raceandculture@abc10.com or fill out the form below.
Watch more Race and Culture stories: Community Altar Day hosted to kick off season of Dia de los Muertos
