Diwali History
Nearly one billion Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists across the world celebrate Diwali. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is an important holiday that has many different religious meanings: Jains call the day Mahavira Nirvana Divas and celebrate spiritual leader Mahavira and his teachings. Meanwhile Sikhs actually celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, which means Prisoner Release Day; it marks the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind’s Sahib release from India’s Gwalior Prison in 1619 along with 52 princes. Hindus pay tribute to Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman’s return to their kingdom after 14 years in exile as told in the Ramayana story. The celebration of Diwali is based on the Lunar calendar and falls on the new moon in late October or early November each year. Traditionally, Diwali marks the harvest and the start of the new lunar year. During the five days of celebration, everyone lights diyas (oil lamps) and firecrackers, wears special clothes, and shares sweets with family and friends. However, for many members of LGBTQIA+ community, this time of year can be painful. The conservative Hindu cultural traditions and religious texts leave little room for acceptance of Queer relationships. This results in many openly Queer Hindus being isolated and shunned by their families, leaving them out of celebrating holidays such as Diwali.
At It’s Core
Traditional Festival Lamp
Diwali is a time to share closeness with your family, friends, honorary Aunties and Uncles–and your community. It’s also a time to honor the Gods, express gratitude, and be sweet (extra kind) to one another– and after the catastrophic pandemic the world has experienced this year, we can’t think of anything more needed. This year, Queer Global wants to honor the bonds and the memories we cherish and offer up educational, reflective, and inclusive spaces where LGBTQIA+ Hindis, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and supporters alike can celebrate with virtual groups that are open, welcoming, and fun!
So here is a list for you to find community and joy; we hope you have a wonderful time celebrating Diwali this year!!!
Upcoming Events
First Unity’s Diwali Festival of Light! All are welcome, all are embraced in love and peace.
About this Event
Friday, Nov. 13th 6 PM EST
Celebrate with us and millions throughout the world, as we lift up Light over darkness; Goodness and the I AM in Humanity. Join us! Simulcast on Facebook and YouTube LIVE from First Unity Spiritual Campus. *All Frequencies Event; Spiritual Community*
Time To Change Diwali Celebrations: Light It Up Festival of Lights!
About this Event
Thursday, Nov. 12th 11:30 AM PST
Live Virtual Event
Enjoy a mindfulness and candle lighting ceremony, a Chai and faith discussion, discuss the stigma around mental health in South East Asia, and participate in fun break out rooms with art projects and Bollywood dancing. This year at Time to Change they will be celebrating Diwali virtually. So get your candles out, wear your fabulous Indian outfits, get some mithai (Indian sweets) and join them for a fun filled event. *Open Event; Not Exclusively Queer*
Free Virtual Diwali Festival of Lights by Holy Cow Community Events
About this Event
Saturday, Nov. 14th 15:00 GMT
It is getting to that exciting time of year again – Aylesbury’s annual Diwali festival!! In light of the coronavirus, this year’s activities will be heading online as they prepare to give you a digital festival of lights. And they promise to still bring you the same infectious energy and celebration, with song, dance and cultural activities as in previous years. When registering to join in this community celebration, you will automatically be included in the draw to win a family holiday at a Seasons Holiday Resort compliments of Holy Cow Home; terms and conditions apply. *All Souls Event; Not exclusively Queer*
Educational Discussion on The Origins and Meaning of Diwali
About this Event
Friday, Nov. 20th 12:00 PM EST
Audience: Future Students, Current Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, The Public
Event Webpage: Office of Latinx, Asian, and Native American Affairs
Diwali is one of the most festive and beautiful times of the year. It is when Indians all over the world rejoice the triumph of good over evil. Join LANA virtually as they learn about this celebration of light. *POC Event; Not Exclusively Queer*
We want to hear from YOU!
Queer Global is asking LGBTQIA+ community members to let us know what Diwali means to YOU! This year, we’d love to see and hear about your Diwali memories and what space this festival of lights holds in your spirit and in your heart.
Share your Diwali with us by using the hashtag, #OURDiwali.
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