Holidays To Celebrate In November

What is Diwali?

Diwali is the festival of lights. It is one of the most important Hindu festivals. Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Celebrations last 5 days long.

The mythological story behind Diwali goes as follows, Lord Rama returns to the kingdom of Ayodhya, which he had been exiled from for 15 years, after defeating the evil Ravana. Upon his arrival, the people of Ayodhya lit up the streets with diyas to welcome Lord Rama. The lighting of diyas has stuck through generations.

Diwali is celebrated by decorating your house with all kinds of lamps, candles and ornaments. People light diyas and lights in their homes on Diwali to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and purity, in their homes. It is hoped that the Goddess Lakshmi will bring prosperity to their family. Families also prepare a festive meal and get dressed up for the occasion. 

Wishing you a Diwali that brings happiness, prosperity and joy!

What is Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is an annual holiday that is celebrated in the United States and Canada. It celebrates the harvest and blessings of the past year. 

Colonists in New England and Canada regularly observed “thanksgiving” meals and days of prayer for blessings such as a safe journey, abundant harvest or military victories. The first Thanksgiving in the United States took place in 1621. Thanksgiving became a national annual holiday officially in 1941.

Friends and families get together for a feast on Thanksgiving. A traditional menu will include a stuffed turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberry dressing and pie. 

There are many traditions tied to Thanksgiving. The U.S. President pardons a turkey at the white house every year. Macy’s puts on a very big parade. The parade has been going on every Thanksgiving since 1924. Watching American Football has also become a big tradition of Thanksgiving day. 

Happy Thanksgiving Day! 

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrating the reoccupation of Jerusalem and the rededication of the Holy Temple to god. Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights. The holiday is celebrated for 8 nights and days. 

The story of Hanukkah goes as follows, during the 2nd century BCE Jerusalem was ruled by the Seleucids who followed Greek culture and beliefs. The Seleucids tried to force the people of Jerusalem to follow their Greek beliefs and leave Judaism behind. A small group of poorly armed Jews led by Judah the Maccabee by some miracle defeated the Seleucids and reclaimed the Holy Temple. When they tried to light the temple’s Menorah they could only find a one-day oil supply. They lit the menorah with the one-day supply and it stayed lit for 8 days. Hanukkah was born as a festival to celebrate the miracles that played into reclaiming the holy land. 

Jewish celebrate Hanukkah by lighting a candle each night for 8 nights. A Menorah is a candelabra with 9 candles. Every night a new candle is lit. Families also exchange gifts during Hanukkah. 

Households make traditional Hanukkah dishes. Some examples of Hanukkah dishes are latkes, apple fritters, and kugels. They are all fried as a symbol for the oil that burned the light 8 days straight. 

Fun Fact: The largest Menorah in the world is located in Grand Army Plaza in New York. It is 32 feet high and weighs 4,000 pounds.

Chag Sameach!

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