Diwali: Ideas for Virtual Celebration Ideas and Giving for People

Diwali, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” is a well known festival in the Hindu calendar and in India. We want to unite all people know matter where you live with celebration ideas and giving from anywhere in the world. It is a celebration showcasing intricate customs, traditions, and beautiful traditions. Diwali lights up the human spirit with a message that goes beyond cultural and social barriers. It is a time for deep reflection. It also calls for self-improvement and pursuit of enlightenment. Diwali can be celebrated in many different ways and in participating in the festivities virtually, there is an opportunity to give to others.

The festival’s name derives from the Sanskrit word dipavali, which means “row of lights,” and it serves as a beacon of brightness every year. It is a celebration of the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. This time is an opportunity for family and friends to gather together and find joy in being with one another.

Everyone who celebrates Diwali, may do so in their own way,  but generally speaking it’s a time for family, for giving back by doing acts of kindness, or charity work, and selfless service,  it’s a time to do a thorough clean and decorate the home, to participate in religious ceremonies, putting up lights and living their values.

Celebration Ideas and Giving During Diwali

1. Puja and Prayers

Puja is a form of worship in which one offers flowers or fruit or homage and prayer to an image of God or host and honour a guest or spiritually celebrate an event.

2. Donate Food and Clothing to Charity

Providing an act of charity is a form of illuminating the lives of others during Diwali. Send out a message to your friends and family members asking for donations and then either drop off or request curb-side pick up.

3. Preparing a Party for a Group

Invite family and friends over for a meal and have everyone bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the local food bank and mention that it’s to celebrate Diwali.

4. Volunt

You can volunteer with a particular charity and share your experience and your volunteer experience with others on social media and try to get others involved in the organization as well.

5. Host a Virtual Call

Invite friends and family to a zoom call where everyone shares stories, laughs and enjoys time together, since Diwali is a time for joy, togetherness and celebration. What is better than seeing the smile of your loved ones?

6. Create Rangoli Art

Rangoli is a form of folk art that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Create a rangoli pattern and have a virtual contest with friends and family. You can display rangoli in your workspace to share the beauty with others or give as a gift to a neighbour or friend.

7. Virtual Religious Observances

Consider attending a virtual Diwali story session, puja (prayer ritual), or watching a katha (narration) online about Diwali. These virtual religious observances can help you connect spiritually with the significance of the festival.

Diwali means appreciating each other’s company, no matter what the activity is. It’s a chance to appreciate all that one has been given in this world. If you want more giving ideas, sign up for a program or have daily giving delivered right to your inbox!

Read these past blogs for further inspiration or celebration ideas:

Patty Benfeito

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I am a mom of 2 amazing teenage boys, I work in the healthcare field in Human Resources. I love spending time with my partner, Tim and our kids. I enjoy reading, going for walks, spending time at the beach and hanging out by the fire pit delighting in bonfires in the summer months and going for long country drives, stopping to grab an ice creram somewhere along the way. My passion in life is to help others and be the change we want to see in the world and hence why I am a part of the 365give.ca team and movement.

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