Indian students residing in the United States celebrate Diwali

Festival celebrations entailed staying connected to their cultural roots

White House also embraced the tradition of celebrating Diwali

For Indian students residing in the United States, observing Diwali entails staying connected to their cultural roots, and their festivities contribute to fostering cross-cultural understanding among Americans.

The scale of Diwali celebrations in the U.S. has grown significantly over the years, extending to popular locations such as California’s Disneyland and New York’s Times Square.

Notably, even the White House has embraced the tradition of celebrating Diwali. In a noteworthy announcement in June, Mayor Eric Adams declared Diwali as a school holiday in New York, expressing his pride in supporting the legislation that formalizes this recognition within schools.

Indian students often form tight-knit communities and groups to uphold the spirit of the festivities, with these groups often including American participants. Diwali, viewed by Americans as a unifying festival, transcends religious perspectives that may be more prevalent among Indian observers.

With approximately 100,000 Indian students from India enrolled in various American universities, Diwali celebrations at institutions such as Duke, Princeton, Howard, Rutgers, and others serve as a means for these students to maintain a connection with their cultural heritage. Simultaneously, these celebrations act as an educational platform for American students to gain insights into diverse cultures.

Diwali is observed in the U.S. with a blend of traditional Indian customs and local influences, its manner of celebration is influenced by the size of the Indian community in a given area.

In larger cities with substantial Indian populations, communities organize public Diwali events that are inclusive and welcome participants from various backgrounds.

In smaller towns with fewer Indians, such as West Lafayette near Purdue University, celebrations may be more community-focused but remain open to non-Indian participants.

Overall, Americans are generally receptive to engaging in Diwali celebrations, showcasing a willingness to learn about and appreciate Indian culture, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding.