• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Ministry of Curry logo

  • SHOP
    • The Essential Indian Instant Pot Cookbook
    • Amazon Store
    • eBooks
    • Cooking Classes
    • Meal Plans
  • RESOURCES
    • Instant Pot 101
    • Air Fryer 101
    • Indian Cooking Tools
    • Cooking 101
    • Essential Indian Spices
    • Guide to Beans and Lentils
    • Holiday Shopping Guide
  • RECIPES
    • Recipe Index
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Oven Recipes
    • Stove Top Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Salad
    • Snacks
    • Drinks
    • Dairy Free
    • Gluten Free
    • Low Carb
    • Vegan
  • ABOUT
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
  • Cooking Classes
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Diwali

    Diwali Celebrations

    Published: Oct 19, 2017 · Modified: Oct 18, 2022 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 24 Comments

    269 shares

    Story of our Family Diwali Celebration in the USA!

    After 5 days of a fun-filled Diwali this year, I thought it would be nice to share my family's experience with you. Diwali, which translates to a row of lights, is the main Hindu festival celebrated in autumn. In Maharashtra, where I grew up, it is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm and my love for celebrating is a result of my mom's passion for this holiday.

    Jump to:
    • What is Diwali
    • Tips on planning Diwali Celebrations
    • Celebrating Diwali with Kids
    • 5 days of Diwali
    • Diwali Recipes

    What is Diwali

    Diwali is the biggest Indian festival. Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair - ideologies that are at the core of my family's values.

    The festival of lights, Diwali is celebrated over 5 days and it is my favorite Indian festival with many fond memories of it growing up as my mom started the preparations almost a month in advance. Homes are cleaned and decorated with lanterns and pretty clay diyas. Fresh yellow and orange marigold garlands and mango leaves hung on the doors and gorgeous rangoli was in front of the house. And the best part? A festive home filled with family, friends, and the amazing aromas of delicious sweets and savories.

    Diwali celebrations

    Like my mom, I prepare for Diwali almost a month in advance. Making the special sweets and savories (also known as faral) used to be a daunting task when I started following mom's recipes. However, over the years as I have learned the techniques of making each delicacy and the process has become much more enjoyable.

    Of course, finding time to do it all is always a challenge! There are several take-out nights as I am busy making the treats. The end result of seeing my friends and family enjoy the special Diwali treats is very satisfying.

    Tips on planning Diwali Celebrations

    • Create a list of faral/sweets that you plan to make
    • Make your shopping list for ingredients like sugar, butter, all-purpose flour, semolina, flattened rice, nuts, saffron, fresh coconut, etc
    • Buy all the ingredients ahead of time which saves last minute hassle of running around
    • In addition to the groceries pick up plain as well as the beautifully decorated clay diya and a lantern
    • Buy some fresh flowers. I find trader joes usually will have marigolds around October/November
    Diwali celebrations - decorations

    With my ingredients in check, I start with making a fresh batch of homemade ghee using unsalted butter.

    Celebrating Diwali with Kids

    The first recipe to conquer is usually Shakkar Para, my children's favorite. When my oldest son was in kindergarten, we started celebrating Diwali in his classroom. We explained the story of Diwali, his classmates painted and decorated clay diyas, and then everyone enjoyed nut-free sugar cookie-like Shankarpali.

    Diwali celebrations -Diya

    This year was very special to me as it was my youngest son's last year in elementary school. It sadly also meant that this was the last year my family would do the classroom celebration. With my son's help, we prepared the treats for his class. We did the Diwali presentation to the class and the children and the teacher had a wonderful time. They loved learning about the festival of lights and they each went home with a pretty diya.

    arav-shakkarpara
    arav-shakkarpara-2

    Over the next week, I made the rest of my faral and then moved on to the Diwali decorations. The boys have started to pick up on the tradition and this year they did most of the decorating. Lanterns and lights were put up. The house looked festive and was filled with the aroma of the Diwali treats!

    Diwali celebrations - decor

    5 days of Diwali

    Day 1 Dhana Trayodashi

    The first day of Diwali is Dhana Trayodashi.  We lit our first Diya on this day and offered whole coriander seeds and jaggery to God. This is an auspicious day for making important purchases, especially metals like gold and silver. I used this day to polish my silverware as I prepared for the Lakshmi Pooja. On this day, breakfast was a feast of faral and a hot cup of tea. 

    diwali celebrations - Platter with Diwali Snacks

    Day 2 Naraka Chaturdashi

    The second day is Naraka Chaturdashi. Devotees wake up and bathe before sunrise while the stars are still visible. We did not manage to wake up that early, but we did start our day by praying together. This was a good day to gather with friends and family and share all of the sweet and savory treats we prepared. Our evening was filled with laughter, a talent show by the children, painting diyas, and an elaborate meal. This year the evening ended with exchanging gifts and lighting up bright sparklers.

    Diwali celebrations gift box

    Day 3 Lakshmi Pooja

    The third day and most important day is the Lakshmi Pooja. The day started with customary phone calls to all that are near and dear wishing them a "Happy Diwali". I then set up an elaborate pooja to worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. My younger son was very excited to help me with the rangoli that we made together on the front and back porch. It was a rainy and windy evening, so I did not get to take a photo of his first rangoli, but we will continue this new ritual of making rangolis together.

    Diwali celebrations - lakshmi-puja

    In the evening, we all dressed up in our new traditional outfits and got ready to perform the pooja. My older son performed the Devi pooja that he learned a few years back at Hindu Heritage Camp.

    Diwali celebrations - Traditional Lakshmi-puja

    We offered the Goddess a traditional meal that included delicious Puran Poli. The family then enjoyed an elaborate meal which was followed by lighting sparklers with friends. This has become a tradition in itself for the last few years.

    Diwali celebrations - Sparklers

    Day 4 Bali Pratipada

    The fourth day is Padwa or Bali Pratipada. It is the first day of 'Karthik' month in the Hindu calendar and marks the start of the Hindu financial year. It is a special day for husband and wife. Another day to dress up and enjoy with more friends and family.

    Diwali celebrations -padwa1

     This year Padwa also happened to be on Halloween so I got to do Aarti for Clark Kent and Harry potter!

    Diwali-Padwa2
    Diwali-padwa3

    Day 5 Bhai Duj

    The last day of Diwali is Bhaubeej or Bhaiduj – a celebration of the bond between siblings. On this day I did Aarti for my two boys and prayed for their successful life.

    I'm amazed to learn how every state and community in India celebrates its own traditions. What I love is that each one of us celebrates Diwali with the same goal, to spread a little more light, happiness, and peace as symbolized by this Vedic prayer from the Upanishads:

    Asato ma sat gamaya | (असतो मा सद्गमय ।)
    Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya | (तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।)
    Mṛtyor ma amṛtam gamaya | (मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ।)
    Om shanti shanti shantihi || (ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥)

    Translation:

    From untruth lead us to Truth.
    From darkness lead us to Light.
    From death lead us to Immortality.
    Om Peace, Peace, Peace.

    May the divine light of Diwali bring into your life peace, prosperity, happiness, and good health. Happy Diwali!

    Diwali Recipes

    Here are some of my favorite recipes for the Diwali Celebration:

    • Shankarpali
    • Balushahi
    • Besan Laddu
    • Coconut Laddu
    • Rose coconut karanji
    • Besan Burfi
    • Saranachi Puri
    • Poha Chivda
    • Chakli
    • Spinach Sev
    • Puran Poli

    Author: Archana

    Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
    Twitter Facebook Linkedin
    « Instant Pot Apple Cake
    Instant Pot Gujarati Kadhi and Khichdi »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Loretta says

      November 03, 2016 at 5:24 pm

      Such a great summation of Diwali. Love the vibrant pictures and what they all resemble. Love your sari too 🙂 The boys seem to be enjoying it all.

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 03, 2016 at 5:34 pm

        Thank you Loretta! Yes the boys are really into it.

        Reply
    2. Hans Susser says

      November 03, 2016 at 8:57 pm

      Another first-rate post. Thank you.
      I can see from these pic's that you are not only a great food blogger, but also a perfect home maker and a wonderful wife and mother 🙂
      God bless you and your family .
      Hans

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 03, 2016 at 9:00 pm

        Thank you Hans!

        Reply
        • Hans Susser says

          November 04, 2016 at 12:14 am

          Credit to whom credit is due 🙂
          Ciao

          Reply
    3. payel says

      November 04, 2016 at 5:55 am

      You are looking stunning and your family too ! Great post ??

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 04, 2016 at 11:05 am

        Thank you Payel!

        Reply
    4. Aparna deshmukh says

      November 04, 2016 at 12:09 pm

      Too good! I feel really very proud of being your sister! Its also very nice that you are trying to spread indian culture world wide! Keep it up! Our good wishes are always with you!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 04, 2016 at 12:53 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    5. Aayushi Manish says

      November 04, 2016 at 11:20 pm

      Beautiful you & your family too.

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 05, 2016 at 8:02 am

        Thank you Aayushi!

        Reply
    6. anyone4curryandotherthings says

      November 09, 2016 at 2:23 am

      Namaskaram Archana - wow, wow, wow!!!! Sorry, but I only had a real chance of reading your article today and I hurry to tell you, this is the absolute best post about Diwali I have come across since I started blogging many years ago! I could give you a big big hug right now 🙂 :). The pictures of your lovely family are so nice - it really shows us, who do not celebrate Diwali like you do, what it is all about - and.......you look gorgious in your red Saree (I am sure your husband thinks so too - 🙂 ) I will keep this post of yours in a special folder to look at it sometimes again.
      But for now, thank you so much once again and stay happy and safe. Carina in Kerala

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 09, 2016 at 12:04 pm

        Thank you so much Carina! Your kind words made my day. I am so happy you enjoyed reading this post and that it made you so happy! Thank you!!

        Reply
    7. ashu@ashstylegourmet says

      November 16, 2016 at 10:12 am

      Diwali is a great time of the year, it sure brings so much of happiness. This is such a lovely post and awesome pictures. Loved your sari Archana,
      Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New Year to you all.

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 16, 2016 at 10:14 am

        Thank you Ashu for your kind words. Happy new year to you too!

        Reply
    8. Sandhya says

      November 18, 2016 at 11:20 am

      Archana,
      Love, love, love your pictures and description of Diwali. You have captured the essence of it all!
      I just got back from India, so am catching up with missed posts now.

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 18, 2016 at 12:04 pm

        Thank you Sandhya! Diwali is my favorite indian festival. Hope you had a great trip to India?

        Reply
    9. Kiran says

      October 31, 2017 at 9:11 am

      Love your outfits! Traditional is always best

      Reply
      • Archana says

        October 31, 2017 at 2:12 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    10. Cassandra|Delectatus says

      January 11, 2018 at 5:15 pm

      What wonderful traditions!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        January 12, 2018 at 8:42 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    11. Aschwinnie Mahajan says

      November 03, 2020 at 2:55 am

      Hi Archana ! It is wonderful to see what all you do to let the rest of the world know, specially to new generation who almost know very less about our traditional Indian food and culture, because most of them are busy in American Junk food, cheap quality Indian restaurant food even if they try to cook at they check the recipe on u tube most of which are boring and with less value. I cook myself and celibate with friends and their families or sometime with office colleagues, Vegetarians, Vegan, Ayurvedic food. I live in Berlin, one of my niece of your age lives in New Jersey or New Ark, with her husband and two Boys. I really value what all you do. Keep it up, may Mother Nature keep you in best of your health and energetic . Thanks have a great Dipawali with your family, neighbors and friends.

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 03, 2020 at 9:22 pm

        Thank you so much for your kind words and blessings.

        Reply
    12. Maurice Balk says

      December 02, 2020 at 2:29 pm

      You have a beautiful family, home, and food. I am happy for you.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

    Learn More About Me!

    Archana's Essential Indian Instant Pot Cookbook

    SHOP

    Popular Posts

    • Mumbai Pav Bhaji
    • Instant Pot Chicken Biryani
    • Mushroom Masala
    • Homemade Pomegranate Juice

    Footer

    AS FEATURED IN

    ↑Back to Top

    Ministry of Curry

    Shop
    About
    Privacy Policy
    Accessibility
    Contact

    Food and Recipes

    Recipe Index
    Cooking 101
    Instant Pot 101
    Cookbook

    MOC Pro

    Dashboard
    Meal Plans
    Virtual Cooking Classes
    Tips & Tricks

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Ministry of Curry

    269 shares
    • 261