Happy Diwali Season!

At Donatucci Library, we will be celebrating the Indian Festival of Lights on Friday, November 13, at 3:00 p.m. with stories, songs, crafts, and a stroll through our decorated garden!

Diwali, or Deepavali, falls on November 14 this year according to the Hindu religious calendar. The name comes from the Sanksrit word "dipavali", meaning "row of lights." It is the culmination of a series of auspicious holidays that correspond with the fruitful harvest season in India. Traditions during Diwali include giving gifts, inviting and honoring guests into your brightly and colorfully decked out home, enjoying the arts, sharing fantastical mythological tales, religious ceremonies called "pujas", and of course, eating delicious sweets. Diwali takes place on the day of the new Moon, when the sky is at its darkest, and the lights shine brighter, signifying the triumph of inspiration, creativity, and knowledge over ignorance.

For Diwali at Donatucci Library, we will learn about and follow many of these very old traditions in a new place, with a new audience. We welcome you to enjoy a virtual trip to another culture. I will also present a short Carnatic (South Indian Classical) vocal performance!

In the lead up to Diwali, check out these titles from our catalog to read and learn more about this ancient holiday!

You can watch Friday's event in real-time via Facebook Live, and previous week's storytimes are also archived and viewable via Donatucci Library's Facebook page.