✨ Festival of Lights: Lavanya’s Diwali Story ✨
Experience Diwali through the eyes of international student Lavanya
By: Lavanya Urumadla
For me, Diwali has always been a time of celebration, joy, and indulgence. Growing up, the festival was synonymous with bursting crackers and enjoying a wide variety of festive foods.
The sight and sound of fireworks lighting up the night sky, combined with the aroma of traditional sweets and savory dishes, created a sense of excitement and warmth that defined the spirit of the occasion.
The festive spread — ranging from rich, sweet delicacies like ladoos, pedas, and barfis to spicy snacks — was always something I looked forward to, and it brought a sense of togetherness among family and friends.
However, as I’ve grown older, the significance of Diwali has evolved. While the joy of food and the thrill of fireworks remain cherished memories, I now find myself reflecting more on the deeper meanings of the festival — such as the triumph of light over darkness, the renewal of hope, and the importance of family and community.
In recent years, I have become more conscious of the environmental and social impact of certain Diwali traditions, like the use of crackers, which is why I no longer partake in the fireworks display. Despite this shift, the essence of Diwali remains as vibrant as ever, centered around togetherness, gratitude, and the joy of sharing moments with loved ones.
The celebrations now feel more meaningful, focused on the intangible aspects of the festival — love, kindness, and peace.
Diwali celebrations back home
Back home in India, Diwali is a vibrant celebration filled with family traditions and festive rituals. Preparations start days ahead, with cleaning and decorating the house, creating rangolis, and lighting diyas to welcome goddess Lakshmi.
On the day itself, we begin with a ritual bath and prayers, followed by making a variety of sweets and snacks, which are shared with family and neighbors.
The evening is filled with fireworks and crackers, lighting up the night sky, and we gather with loved ones to exchange gifts, enjoy meals, and celebrate together.
As I’ve grown older, the focus of my Diwali celebrations has shifted slightly. While the joy of food, decorations, and fireworks remains, I now place more emphasis on the deeper meanings of the festival — light overcoming darkness and unity within the community. I’ve also become more mindful of the environmental impact of crackers, choosing to celebrate in a more sustainable way while still cherishing the togetherness and joy that Diwali brings.
Diwali rituals
One of my favorite Diwali rituals is the pre-festival cleaning and decorating of the home. It’s a refreshing way to start anew — cleaning the house, removing clutter, and decorating with flowers and rangolis. This ritual always brings a sense of renewal, and I enjoy the creativity involved in designing rangolis with vibrant colors, often symbolizing good fortune.
Sharing sweets and gifts with family and friends is another tradition I truly cherish. Exchanging homemade treats like laddoos, barfis, and pedas spreads joy, strengthens connections, and makes the celebrations feel even more special.
Lastly, I used to love burning crackers during Diwali. The thrill of watching the sky light up with fireworks was always exhilarating, and even now, the memory of those moments brings a sense of nostalgia and joy.
Special Foods
During Diwali, I eagerly look forward to a variety of special foods and sweets. Laddoos, particularly besan laddoos, are a favorite — rich, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth. Kaju barfi, a smooth cashew fudge, is another treat I love. Gulab jamun, soft dough balls soaked in syrup, and jalebi, crispy and syrupy, are also Diwali essentials.
On the savory side, I enjoy lemon rice, with its tangy and aromatic flavor, and curd rice (or dhadhojanam), which is a soothing, cooling dish often served after a heavy meal. Garelu (crispy, spiced lentil fritters) are another snack I always look forward to during the festival.
These dishes, along with the traditional sweets, make Diwali a celebration of both savory and sweet flavors, and each bite is a reminder of the joy and togetherness that define the festival.
Lighting diyas and fireworks during Diwali
Lighting diyas and setting off fireworks during Diwali both symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Diyas, small oil lamps, represent the inner light that dispels ignorance and negativity, inviting prosperity and wisdom into our lives.
Fireworks, traditionally used to ward off evil spirits, add to the festive atmosphere, symbolizing joy and the victory of good. Together, they create a vibrant celebration of hope, positivity, and spiritual renewal.
My favorite memory of Diwali
One of my most cherished childhood memories of Diwali is when my dad would take me and my sisters shopping for new dresses. We’d eagerly look forward to this moment, feeling so special as we picked out something beautiful for the festival.
The excitement didn’t stop there — afterward, he’d take us to the firecracker store, where we’d lose ourselves in the joy of choosing our favorite crackers and sparklers. There was something truly magical about those moments — walking through the store, laughing together, and imagining the grand display we’d soon have.
The sense of anticipation, the togetherness, and the love that filled those moments with my family made Diwali feel like a celebration of pure joy. Those memories, filled with warmth and excitement, are ones I’ll always hold close to my heart.
Diwali also holds a special place in my heart for another reason — it’s when I discovered my passion for photography.
The first picture I ever took was on Diwali, capturing the bright, colorful sparkles of a firecracker. It was a simple shot using my phone, but something about the moment sparked my interest in photography.
That picture, taken during a time of celebration and light, became a reminder of how a single moment can inspire a lasting passion.
Celebrating at NAU
Celebrating Diwali while studying at NAU has been a unique blend of tradition and adapting to life away from home. Although I miss the grand celebrations with my family, I’ve found ways to make the festival feel special here.
This year, we made gulab jamun at home, which added a sweet, nostalgic touch to the celebrations. We also created a vibrant rangoli at the entrance of our apartment, bringing color and warmth to the space. To set the mood, we decorated our room with little fairy lights, filling the space with a festive glow.
Even though I’m far from home, these small traditions help me stay connected to the essence of Diwali — celebrating light, love, and togetherness, and creating new memories with the people around me.
Final thoughts
Diwali is a time for celebration, reflection, and gratitude. For me, celebrating with family is what truly makes the festival special — those moments of togetherness, laughter, and shared joy are irreplaceable.
At the same time, it’s important to be mindful of the impact our celebrations have on the environment and the well-being of others, including our pets.
While fireworks are a traditional part of Diwali, they can cause pollution and distress to animals.
Celebrating in a way that’s both joyful and considerate — whether by reducing the use of crackers or finding alternative ways to light up the festivities — helps ensure that Diwali remains a celebration of positivity and care for the world around us.
