NORFOLK, Neb. – Halloween is big in the United States, with most Americans taking part or having fond memories of dressing up and trick-or-treating.
But Halloween is far from the only holiday observed around this time of year around the world.
The Hindu festival of lights, known as Diwali, is taking place this year from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1 and was observed for the first time at Northeast Community College with a display in Union 73.
Jen Ippensen, Northeast director of Library Services, and Lori Trowbridge, executive director of College Engagement, regularly put out timely displays, often bringing attention to cultures or topics that don’t receive significant attention.
Ippensen relied on Shubha Krishnamurthy, Northeast director of the Academic Information Technology Program, to help put the Diwali display together.
“Shubha has been kind enough to help us to learn about her family’s traditions and to set up decorations,” Ippensen said.
During the “festival of lights,” as it is known, houses and other buildings and shrines are often decorated with lights.
Here is some more information on the holiday:
• Celebrated annually on Amavasya, or new moon day, the 15th day of the month of Kārtika, which is the 8th month of the Hindu calendar; typically, Diwali falls in October or November of the Gregorian calendar.
• Signifies the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.”
• Lighting diyas (oil lamps) represent the inner protective light and symbolizes prosperity in the new year.
• Delicacies, sweets, savory pastries, and other snacks are made and may be given, along with other gifts, to friends and neighbors.
• Fireworks are lit in celebration of the occasion.
Rangoli Sand Painting cutline
Shubha Krishnamurthy, Northeast director of the Academic Information Technology Program, displays sand painting in front of the Diwali display at the Northeast Community College Library in Union 73. (Northeast Community College)
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