Celebrating Diwali in Silicon Valley, Calif. Day One of Five Dhanteras
By Michelle Carr Crowe, Silicon Valley guide and Cupertino real estate agent selling San Jose homes
Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights also known as Deepavali, is a five-day celebration. Each day acknowledged a different aspect of life.
In the Gregorian calendar, Diwali occurs between mid-October and mid-November.
Day 1 of Deepavali is Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi), which is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna paksha (dark fortnight) of the Hindu calendar month Ashwin and ends on Bhaubeej, celebrated on second lunar day of Shukla paksha (bright fortnight) of the Hindu calendar month Kartik.
Dhanteras is the first business day of the financial new year.
After a thorough housecleaning, people light small clay lamps (dīpa) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil during Diwali.
It's traditional to wear new clothes and share sweets with friends and family during the holiday.
People set off Firecrackers to drive away evil spirits.
The Diwali Festival of Lights. Diwali is celebrated throughout most countries in South Asia and by people from India, Myanmar and America (especially in Silicon Valley, Calif.).
Diwali is an important religious holiday to people who follow the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain religions, as well as a cultural holiday for residents from many parts of Asia and India. From Saratoga to Cupertino, from Fremont to Santa Clara, from Palo Alto to San Jose, the festival of Diwali is a time for people throughout Silicon Valley to celebrate.
The five-day Diwali celebration features lanterns, fireworks, firecrackers, storytelling, family time and of course, music, dancing and sharing delicious feasts.
I and my team wish you, your family and loved ones a Happy Healthy & Prosperous Diwali and New Year.
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