Diwali is perhaps one of the most diverse and versatile holidays celebrated in the Hindu faith. With a substantial portion of the school population celebrating, having school off for Diwali was a given. Festivities differ amongst those who celebrate, so the question is, did the district pick the right day to have off?
Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is a Hindu holiday celebrated by all who wish to. With the holiday championing themes of finding light in the darkness and the triumph of good over evil, it is among the largest celebrations in the culture.
Typical Diwali festivities include lighting fireworks and sparklers, eating traditional Indian snacks, and praying to The Great Preserver, Lord Vishnu.
The official date of Diwali is the 21st of October, so why are South Windsor schools closed on the 20th for the holiday?
Religiously active families tend to celebrate Diwali on the Sunday before the official holiday. Prayers and temple visits in general are typically carried out on Sundays.
“We go to the temple to pray every Sunday, ” Temple goer Bhaskar Dhandapani told The Prowl. “But Diwali provides a more specific thing to pray for.”
Most people who celebrate Diwali don’t necessarily mind what day they do so. The majority of activities associated with the holiday are able to be enjoyed anytime. Fire crackers, for instance, can be enjoyed regardless of the exact day.
“Its one of my favorite holidays of the year,” Diwali celebrator Varshini Bhaskar explained. “Growing up, we didn’t usually get a day off to celebrate, but now that we do, it allows our festivities to be even bigger!”
Regardless of when you celebrate Diwali, having a day off at all is something to be excited for.
