ATLANTA — The City of Dunwoody invites you to learn about India's biggest holiday at their first-ever Diwali festival.
Hosted by local nonprofit Create Dunwoody, the three-part celebration will take place at various landmarks throughout the city and offer residents the opportunity to immerse themselves in the story of Diwali.
What is Diwali?
Also known as the "Festival of Lights," Diwali takes place over five days and celebrates the triumph of light over darkness.
Typically, the festival takes place each autumn, usually in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. In 2023, Diwali will begin on Nov. 10 and end on Nov. 15.
Although celebrated primarily by Hindus, the festival, which dates back more than 2,500 years, is also enjoyed by non-Hindu communities. It's significant in the Jainism and Sikhism religions which both originate from India.
A national holiday in India, how Diwali is celebrated varies across different religions and groups. Typically, it's celebrated by socializing and exchanging gifts with family and friends.
Many light earthen oil lamps or candles and fireworks as part of the celebrations.
How is Dunwoody celebrating Diwali?
Dunwoody's Diwali celebration kicked off Oct. 29 with rangoli and diya art workshops being offered to the public at the Spruill Center for the Arts.
Diwali in Dunwoody Festival
Diyas are oil lamps and are a traditional part of Diwali celebrations. Traditionally, rows of diyas are lit around a home during Diwali.
Rangoli is an art form that typically accompanies diyas. The art form is drawn on the ground or sidewalk in front of a house to welcome Hindu gods to the household.
On Nov. 1, community members can learn about the story behind Diwali with a live reenactment at the Dunwoody Nature Center.
- Where: The Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts DriveDunwoody, GA, 30338
- When: Nov. 1 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Click here to register.
On Nov. 3, a gala will show cultural performances, including traditional Indian music, dance, and fashion, highlighting the festival of lights. Authentic Indian cuisine showcasing the regional foods of India will also be included.
Tickets for the gala cost $125 for adults and $50 for kids. The gala will serve as one of Create Dunwoody's premier fundraisers. Money raised will go toward funding the arts and culture scene in Dunwoody.
- Where: Le Meridien Atlanta Perimeter, 111 Perimeter Center West Atlanta, GA 30346
- When: Nov. 3 from 6:30-11:30 p.m.
- Click here to register