While yesterday we talked about Day of the Dead, there is also another important holiday this week Diwali. Diwali is an Indian holiday also known as Deepavali, and is considered the Hindu “Festival of Lights”.

Diwali is one of India’s most widely celebrated holidays, it often overlaps with other harvest rituals and festivals. While the dates for Diwali vary, they tend to follow the lunar calender. The festivities extend to the Indian diaspora and can be observed from anywhere from one to five days.

Diwali is also celebrated across many South Asian countries

Important Diwali Traditions

These are some of the important traditions that come about during Diwali

Decorating

People celebrating clean and decorate their homes, workplaces and temples with candles, oil lamps and rangoli. Rangoli are a circular design that symbolizes positivity and happiness. The rangoli, are often thought to welcome Lakeshimi, the goddess of wealth and good luck. 

Fireworks

Cities and towns often set off fireworks, to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

Feasting

On Diwali people share sweets, also called mithai and share gifts at feasts. A popular dessert is Gulab jamun, a sweet confectionery, pictured below.

Gambling

Gambling is another popular pastime during the holiday. Games played include teen patti, which is like poker, blackjack and poker.

New accounts

Many places of business open new account books as Diwali is the beginning of the financial new year.

3 Romances Popular that feature Diwali

The romance community with South Asian protaganists has a wonderful variety of books, with engaging characters and stories. Here are some examples of books that feature Diwali as a main plot point

1) A Honeyed Light

Kunal is getting used to the strange new town he is in called Harmony. He should have his hands full prepping for Diwali. Despite that he can’t ignore the fact that he’s single and still deep in the closet.

After going out one night at a gay club, he runs into Oscar, the propriteor of Harmony’s only sex shop. It turns out Kunal’s secret is officially out, but he doesn’t expect Oscar’s slow seduction.

As the new year rolls around Kunal must decide what he really wants out of life.

Amazon: A Honeyed Light

About the Author

Freddie Milano lives with her partner in crime, three cats, and far more ideas than she really has time to set down on (electronic) paper. She’s been writing since she could hold a pen, though most of the embarrassing stories thankfully never made in onto the internet, and can stay safely buried.

She loves wine, Korean pop music, tea, chocolate, coffee, mythology, and both video and tabletop gaming. An ESFJ surrounded by introverts, Freddie has learned the art of socialization in moderation. Besides, staying in just leaves her more time to write.

2) Sleepless in Dubai

This enemies to lovers romance features Nikki, an aspiring photographer who accompanies her family on a trip to Dubai. She is there to celebrate the five days of Diwali in style. However what should be a trip of a lifetime has a damper put on it. Nikki learns that Yash, the boy next door who she has a rocky history with is coming along on the trip too.

While getting caught up in the festivities Nikki is encouraged to get reacquired with Yash. One the twelve hour flight Nikki and Yash reconnect. But can the two of them set aside their conflicting ambitions? Will they be able to discover the true meaning of the Festival of Lights?

Amazon: Sleepless in Dubai

About the Author

Sajni Patel was born in vibrant India and raised in the heart of Texas, surrounded by a lot of delicious food and plenty of diversity. She draws on her personal experiences, cultural expectations, and Southern flair to create worlds that center on strong Indian women. Her debut, The Trouble with Hating You, was named to “Best of 2020” lists by Cosmopolitan, PopSugar, and Insider.

3) A Holly Jolly Diwali

Twenty-nine year old Niki Randhawa has always been the practical one. She loves art and music but chose to become an analyst for stability. She’s stuck close to home in case her family needs her. In her dating life she focused on the men who look good on paper. While she ignores those who give her butterflies.

When she is laid off from her job, Niki realizes that practicality doesn’t pay. And for the first time ever she throws caution to the wind. Niki books a spontaneous flight to her friends wedding in India.

When she arrives in India she gets there just in time to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Light. During the celebrations she meets London musician Sameer. Whether its the magic of the holiday season, or Sam himself, Niki is interested in getting to know more about him.

At the wedding Sam’s flirtatious banter makes it clear that the attraction is mutual. When Sam and Niki join her friend and her friends husband on a group honey, Niki gets a chance to get in touch with her passionate creative side.

This all changes when she gets a job offer back home, and must decide what she wants to do with her life. Will Niki cling to her practical old life, or make a jump into the unknown and have a life she never dreamed of.

Amazon: Holly Jolly Diwali

About the Author

Sonya Lalli grew up in Canada and now works as a journalist in London. She was inspired to write her debut novel by the strong Indian women in her life, including her real-life Nani – who thankfully is yet to play matchmaker.

Visit her website http://www.sonyalalli.com or follow her on Twitter and Instagram @saskinthecity

Happy Diwali to everyone who celebrates, and look for my next post on Sunday! Have you ever been involved in the celebration of this holiday. Share your experiences below!