In the homes of Yogesh and Kalindee Harsh and Gaurav and Archana Jain, Diwali brings glowing lamps, favorite foods and time with people they love. Both local couples also hope their children will carry the values at the heart of the celebration into the future.
Often called the Festival of Lights, Diwali is celebrated by millions of people in India and around the world. Traditions vary from family to family, but light is a theme that connects them. The Harshes describe it as a celebration of “the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair.” For the Jains, it also speaks to knowledge over ignorance and offers a time for gratitude, renewal and giving.
At the Harsh home, preparations begin well before the celebration. The family starts deep cleaning at least two weeks ahead, then decorates with flowers, colorful rangoli designs and diyas, small oil lamps. They dress in traditional Indian clothing, gather for Lakshmi Puja—a prayer honoring Goddess Lakshmi—and share food and sweets. Ladoos and jalebi are among the treats they enjoy, alongside savory snacks and regional homemade dishes. Worshipping together and enjoying fireworks in the evening are traditions they have kept for years.
“For our family, Diwali is much more than a festival,” Yogesh and Kalindee say. “It’s a time to come together, celebrate our roots, and appreciate the people who make our lives meaningful.” The familiar preparations bring back childhood memories even as the couple makes new ones with the next generation.
Gaurav and Archana also fill their home with lights and candles in the week leading up to Diwali. On the day itself, new clothes signify a fresh start. Family and friends gather for food, gifts, prayer and song, and the children eagerly await the fireworks. The couple appreciates the way the holiday makes space for reflection and excitement in the same evening.
The Jains have made the United States their home for more than two decades and enjoy celebrating holidays from both cultures. Sharing Diwali with friends of many backgrounds has become an important part of their family’s tradition. They hope their children will feel proud of their Indian heritage and continue to welcome others into the celebration.
“We want them to be proud of their heritage and to find joy in sharing it—to make others feel welcome, give generously, and bring people together,” Gaurav and Archana say.
For both families, the decorations and gatherings offer a way to pass along values they practice throughout the year. The Harshes hope people understand that Diwali is about more than its beautiful lights. “At its heart is the idea of bringing light into our lives and choosing kindness, even during difficult times,” they say. To them, celebrating means pausing to be grateful, reconnecting with loved ones and looking toward the year ahead with hope.
The Jains see that light in everyday actions, too: sharing what they have, showing compassion and finding the courage to do what is right. “Diwali reminds us about bringing more light into the world through our actions,” they say.
For someone experiencing Diwali for the first time, the Jains extend a simple invitation: “come as you are, share a meal, light a diya with us, and enjoy the evening.” The Harshes describe that welcome through the sounds of laughter and music, the pleasure of sharing food and the warmth of gathering together.
Across two Birmingham households, Diwali takes shape through traditions both inherited and newly made. The lamps may glow for an evening, but the families hope the kindness, gratitude and sense of belonging they represent will reach well beyond it.
Want to Experience Diwali?
Diwali falls on November 8 this year. The UAB Indian Cultural Association’s annual Diwali Show, one of the city’s largest cultural showcases, takes place on November 14 at the Alys Stephens Center. For another way to celebrate, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir hosts Kids’ Diwali and a Diwali puja on November 8, followed by Annakut on November 10.