How to Pray For and Party With Hindus During Diwali
Fireworks. Lights. Gifts. Sweets. Maybe some Bollywood dancing. It’s like our Christmas holidays for Hindus.
The Festival of Lights Hindu Celebration called Diwali.
Five days of all Hindus (and Jains and Sikhs too) celebrating. Praying. Hanging lights inside and out. Gathering together. Eating. And more praying.
Why not join the 1.2 billion Hindus *** mostly from India *** during their celebration of a spiritual quest, in our own way?
I’ve got three ideas for us to be more INTENTIONAL during Diwali on behalf of—and with—Hindus.
The short version: 1. Pray and 2. Party. and 3. Send a Greeting
But first, what actually IS Diwali? I lived in India and I still couldn't really explain it well. I didn’t even realize that it’s actually FIVE different holiday days, with Diwali the most important day in the middle of it.
Here’s how the Hindustani Times described it:
Hindus celebrate this auspicious holy festival of Diwali to observe the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair.
Diwali also marks the death of many demons like Narkasur by Lord Krishna, the arrival of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after killing Ravana, and Lord Vamana defeating Bali. People pray to Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali by performing the auspicious Lakshmi Puja at their homes and offices and ask the goddess to bless them with prosperity, happiness, peace and wealth.
IDEA #1 PRAY
If THEY can pray for five whole days, including a lot of incense, candles, offering of food, and detailed ceremonial, experiential experiences — how about WE pray too?
What if ALL of us prayed for the Hindu world every day for FIFTEEN DAYS?
I think those golden bowls with incense that are the prayers of God’s people (Revelations 5:8) will waft up to the throne of God and create smoke that fills the temple in the heavenly places (Isaiah 6:4-7).
Practically, this looks like ordering the 15 Days of Prayer for the Hindu World booklet (you can order in both print or a downloadable .pdf).
Every night after dinner, read one page, talk about it a little, and pray. 15 minutes. Done! (Why not light a candle while you pray and ask for “victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair”).
IDEA #2 PARTY
I promise you, someone, somewhere in your city is celebrating Diwali.
Often, there’s a cultural event that’s open to the public.
I just googled “Diwali celebration near me”.
In .78th of a second, I have ten free community cultural events celebrating Diwali within an hour from me I could go to with a friend or my family, over the next week or two.
There’s even a 5-day free event that says “Come and Enjoy AZ's Biggest Cultural Diwali Mela !!! Featuring FIRE WORKS, Live Cultural activities, Enjoy Diwali Shopping, Festive Diyas, Family Wealth & Happiness prayers, Best Designer Jewelry & Clothes, Henna, Art & Craft for Kids, Delicious Sweets, AZ's Best Restaurants and much more....”
Sounds like fun! And guess how many Hindu’s will be there to meet, mix with, eat with, laugh with, and learn from?
A LOT.
Go ahead. Try it right now. Google “Diwali celebrations near me”. Let me know in the comments where you are and what you find out.
IDEA #3 SEND A GREETING
Here’s a BONUS step.
Do you know any co-workers, neighbors, or soccer moms that are immigrants from India? Send them a text and see if they’re going to one of these community celebrations.
You can even copy and paste this: “Hi friend! I wanted to say Happy Diwali to you and your family! I heard there’s a celebration event downtown on Saturday. Are you going? I’d love to go with you and just learn about your culture and celebrations.”
AND
Screenshot this graphic I just made and…
❶ Text it or Whatsapp to your Hindu friend.
❷ Post it on your social media.
***By the way, if you don’t have a Hindu friend, here’s ten ideas to find one. Download the free guide Ten Ways to Make Ten Friends From Unreached People Groups, Right Where You Live.
