Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is one of the most cherished celebrations in Indian culture, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Celebrated with the lighting of oil lamps (diyas), sharing sweets, bursting firecrackers, and gathering with loved ones, Diwali is a time of joy, reflection, and togetherness. Rooted in ancient traditions, the festival typically falls in October or November, based on the Hindu lunar calendar.
In 2025, Diwali will be observed on Monday, October 20, a date that holds deep significance for millions of Indians worldwide. For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living in the United States, maintaining these traditions far from their homeland is a heartfelt endeavor, often complicated by logistical challenges. To overcome these challenges, many NRIs are embracing pre-Diwali parties & celebrations to keep the spirit of the festival alive.
The Challenges of Celebrating Diwali in the U.S.
For NRIs, celebrating Diwali in the U.S. comes with distinct challenges. Unlike India, where Diwali is a major public holiday, the U.S. does not recognize it as an official holiday in most states. While progressive regions like New York and California have recently begun acknowledging Diwali as a school or public holiday, this is not the case nationwide.
In states like Ohio, October 20, 2025, will be a regular working day. Schools, colleges, and offices remain open, leaving little time for elaborate festivities. The weekday schedule, filled with work, school, and daily responsibilities, makes it nearly impossible for families to host or attend large gatherings on the actual day of Diwali.
Sudhir Shrivastava and Priti share, “If Diwali falls on a weekday, it’s tough to invite people over. Everyone is busy with their routines, and each Indian family wants to spend the day performing puja and being with their immediate family.
Hosting a party on Diwali itself feels inconvenient for both the hosts and guests.” This sentiment resonates with many NRIs who feel the festival can pass unnoticed if it falls on a working day. The hustle of American life often overshadows the festive spirit, leaving little room for the elaborate preparations and communal celebrations that define Diwali in India.“
This sentiment resonates with many NRIs who feel the festival can pass unnoticed if it falls on a working day. The hustle of American life often overshadows the festive spirit, leaving little room for the elaborate preparations and communal celebrations that define Diwali in India. Also, check out this link to know about the Deepawali celebration at https://journals-times.com/2022/10/23/diwali-2022-how-to-celebrate-it-simply/
The Rise of Pre-Diwali Parties & Celebrations
To keep the festive spirit alive and share the joy of Diwali with friends, NRIs have found an ingenious solution: pre-Diwali parties. These gatherings, typically held on weekends leading up to the festival, allow families to celebrate with their communities without the constraints of a weekday schedule.
Sudhir and Priti, for instance, hosted a vibrant pre-Diwali party the Saturday before the festival, inviting friends to join in the festivities. “All the weekends leading up to Diwali are booked with parties at different friends’ homes,” Priti says with a smile. “It’s the best way to enjoy the festival and feel connected to our culture.”
These pre-Diwali celebrations are more than just parties; they are a way to recreate the vibrant “Diwali vibe” that NRIs fondly remember from their childhoods in India. Homes are adorned with colorful rangolis, twinkling diyas, and festive decorations. Guests dress in traditional attire, indulge in homemade sweets such as ladoos and barfis, and share stories of their Diwali celebrations from hometowns.
For many, these gatherings are an opportunity to introduce younger generations—born and raised in the U.S.—to the rich customs and values of their heritage. The sense of community is palpable, as families come together to sing, dance, and exchange gifts, keeping the essence of Diwali alive thousands of miles from India.
Diwali Parties: A Deep-Rooted Connection to Culture
For NRIs, Diwali is more than a festival; it’s a link to their identity, culture, and childhood memories. Living far from India, they strive to preserve these traditions, ensuring their children grow up with the same love for Diwali that they did. This commitment is evident in the efforts of Indian communities across the U.S., who organize cultural events, temple gatherings, and charity drives during the Diwali season.
The unity of the Indian diaspora plays a crucial role in sustaining these traditions, fostering a sense of belonging and pride.“Even in the U.S., we want to keep Diwali alive because it’s part of who we are,” Sudhir explains. “Whether it’s through pre-Diwali parties or small family rituals, we make sure our kids understand the importance of this festival.” Priti adds, “The community’s togetherness makes it special. We may be far from India, but when we celebrate together, it feels like home.”
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The Festival’s Universal Appeal
Diwali’s message of light, hope, and unity transcends borders, resonating with people of all backgrounds. In the U.S., NRIs often invite non-Indian friends to their celebrations, sharing the warmth of the festival and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Pre-Diwali parties have become a way to bridge communities, showcasing the beauty of Indian traditions while embracing the diversity of their adopted home. As Diwali 2025 approaches, NRIs ensure that the festival’s glow shines brightly, even on a busy Monday.
Through pre-Diwali celebrations, they are not only keeping their traditions alive but also creating new memories that blend the old with the latest. In doing so, they prove that no matter where they are in the world, the spirit of Diwali—rooted in togetherness, joy, and cultural pride—remains as vibrant as ever. Check Diwali worship timing at https://www.drikpanchang.com/diwali/diwali-puja-calendar.html?geoname-id=5128581
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