Her family celebrated Halloween, she said, “the way most Americans in the 1980s did,” by throwing on a mask of a generic monster from the supermarket. Separately, they celebrated Diwali, an Indian religious festival that honors the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists celebrate by decorating their homes with diyas, or small clay pots used for Diwali lights; eating sweets; and wearing their finest Desi clothes. (Desi is a colloquial term used by South Asians to refer to South Asians.)
Halloween’s date is fixed on Oct. 31, but Diwali, which is determined by the new moon, shifts a little every year. This year, the two holidays fall on the same cusp: Thursday night. The concurrence has left those who celebrate both to decide whether to favor one over the other or mix the festivities to stretch their joy and excitement.
