The Light of Renewal
Diwali and the Year-Round Glow of Diya
Diwali, often called the Festival of Lights, is one of the most cherished and widely celebrated festivals in India. Rooted deeply in Hindu tradition, it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Families come together to honor the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his exile, welcoming him with thousands of glowing diyas, or oil lamps. This year, Diwali will begin on October 29, with the main day of celebration falling on October 31, 2025.
The five days of Diwali include a mix of religious observances, home rituals, and joyful gatherings. From Dhanteras, which marks the beginning of the festival and is dedicated to health and prosperity, to Bhai Dooj, which honors the bond between siblings, each day brings a unique energy and purpose. Among these, Lakshmi Puja stands out as the spiritual centerpiece, where homes are cleaned, adorned with rangoli, and lit up to welcome the goddess of wealth and good fortune.
At the heart of Diwali is the diya. Traditionally made of clay and filled with ghee or oil, the diya is a symbol of hope, clarity, and sacred presence. Lighting diyas during Diwali is more than decoration; it is an act of devotion, inviting divine blessings and dispelling negativity. The flickering flame is seen as the soul’s inner light, guiding each of us through darkness. But diyas are not reserved only for Diwali. Throughout the year, they are used in daily rituals, placed at home altars, floated in water during prayers, and lit to mark auspicious beginnings.
Beyond its religious meaning, Diwali also holds a powerful emotional resonance. It is a time when families reconnect, homes are filled with sweets and laughter, and communities come together in celebration. The act of lighting diyas becomes a shared ritual, a collective expression of hope and gratitude that transcends individual homes and touches entire neighborhoods. Even in the diaspora, Diwali continues to bring people together around tradition, memory, and light.
At Maaji’s Street Kitchen, we embrace these traditions with pride and gratitude. You’ll often find a diya glowing in our space, not just as a seasonal ornament, but as a year-round reminder of warmth, renewal, and cultural connection.