Diwali, or Deepavali, is an important celebration in Hinduism for over five days, typically falling between the months of mid-october and November, a momentous of triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance, the festival of coloured lights. Lighting diyas, which are earthen lamps, lanterns, and candles; decorating with rangoli and flowers; wearing new clothes and jewellery; exchanging gifts and sweets; and bursting firecrackers and fireworks with family, friends, and loved ones.

Significant Five Days of Diwali: The festival of celebrating victory over evil is celebrating for five days as below.
Day 1, Dhanteras: Cleaning and decorating the house, buying utensils and silverware.
Day 2, Chhoti Diwali: offering prayers to Goddess Kali and lighting lamps seeking blessings and protecting
Day 3, Lakshmi Puja: A day offering devotions to Goddess Lakshmi, who is considered the deity of wealth.
Day 4, Govardhan Puja: Rejoicing Lord Krishna’s conquest over evil. Day 5, Bhai Dooj: Celebrating the brother-sister bond. 

Diwali’s origins date back to the Vedic period (1500 BCE–500 BCE). The festival was initially celebrated to mark the harvest season and the victory of light over darkness. As per the mythologies, Diwali commemorates the return of Ate Rama from Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, defeating the demon king Ravana. Legends also state Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolising the victory of good over evil. 

Diwali is also associated with Goddes Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. In ancient India, during the reign of the Mauryan Empire and Mughal Era, it became a prominent festival, with Emperor Akbar taking active participation in the celebration of lights. The British colonial period adopted the festival by gaining popularity globally as Indian immigrants celebrated in various parts of the world. Deepavali is celebrated across India differently, welcoming prosperity and wealth.

Schools are not only a place for academies but a place where scholars experience a fun-filled life on campus. JD Institute, a design school that promotes creativity and sustainability, celebrates Diwali with enthusiasm and fervour by decorating the entire campus with diyas, candles, and colourful rangoli. Scholars and staff start by performing special puja for goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, diwali-themed traditional attire, cultural music and performance, distributing sweets and snacks, and sharing gifts among the peers.

JD Institute also motivates scholars to organise Diwali-themed fashion shows by creating exclusive innovative looks, crafts, DIY workshops, games, and activities such as rangoli making and decoration competitions to celebrate the festival of light and ones among them. Scholars from various departments collaborate to create Diwali-inspired clothing lines, interior spaces and decor, graphics and posters, and styling activities, capturing the moments to cherish their campus fun life.

JD Institute social initiatives:

A school that nurtures future creative designers actively participates in social well-being by distributing sweets, clothes, and essentials to the underprivileged communities on this very occasion and organises charity events, auctions, donating wearable clothes, or sales to support social causes promoting sustainable practices, and spreading joy and warmth to those in need.

Conclusion: Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals across India, and few international countries have started appreciating the celebration showcasing commitment to cultural heritage, creativity, and humanity. Shubh Deepavali, celebrating for a change.