Celebrate Diwali with dosa by DOSA

Oct 24

Although it’s slowly gaining recognition in the U.S., Diwali isn’t quite as well-known as other major religious holidays here. (For starters, it’s pronounced “dee-VALL-ee,” not “dee-WALL-ee.”) But Diwali is a huge deal both in India and across the diaspora, with millions and millions of people turning out to celebrate each year. So what is this spirited holiday about—and how do you celebrate it?

All About Diwali

Diwali is a five-day festival in mid-to-late autumn with deep roots in Hindu, Jain, and Sikh religious traditions. The specific meaning of Diwali varies from religion to religion and from community to community; different groups celebrate different gods and goddesses, tell different origin stories, and honor different historical events. However, there are a few unifying themes: The triumph of good over evil, of light over darkness, and of knowledge over ignorance.

Diwali celebrations are incredibly diverse. Traditionally, each of the five days of Diwali is dedicated to a different ritual. The first day is often dedicated to cleaning, decorating, and generally preparing the home for the festival to come. Light is hugely important during Diwali—the festival gets its name from the Sanskrit word dīpāvali, which refers to a row or line of lights—so putting up lights and small oil lamps is a major part of festival preparations. (Stocking up on firecrackers and sparklers is, too.) Prayer and ritual celebration are also important Diwali traditions, with a different act of worship for each day of the festival. Many Diwali celebrations honor not only specific gods and goddesses but also family bonds, such as those between siblings.

With so many different kinds of people celebrating Diwali around the world, it’s no surprise that the holiday looks very different today than it did generations ago. But one thing always stays the same: Diwali is a huge party, and you can’t have a huge party without lots and lots of good food. Feasting—especially on colorful, festive sweets—is an absolute must. Between all the bright lights, sparklers, firecrackers, and delicious treats, it’s easy to see why Diwali is one of the most vibrant and exciting holidays on the planet.

Build a Diwali Menu

When it comes to Diwali, we’ve got you covered. First, remember that fun and vibrancy are everything. This is a festival of lights, after all—the food has to live up to the name! Here are a few ideas to get you started.