Upcoming East Valley Diwali events includes one in Chandler

By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2

Not everyone knows what Diwali is all about.

That’s OK with Kriti Agarwal, who’s willing to teach a little about the annual celebration.

Agarwal, born in India and a longtime Chandler resident and dance studio owner, says Diwali symbolizes one of the more common spiritual commemorations: the victory of good over evil.

Diwali or ‘“Dipawali” means “Festival of Lights.” Diwali is the five- or six-day Hindu festival of lights, with variations celebrated in other Indian religions, like Jainism and Sikhism, according to the organization Step-Up Religion.

“It’s an important tradition in my family,” Agarwal said. “It involves prayer, feasting, fireworks, community gatherings and forgiveness. Diwali is celebrated by decorating homes with lamps and colorful lights, sharing special meals, exchanging gifts, and enjoying fireworks. Families sit together and pray for prosperity and happiness for everybody.”

In the East Valley, where there are many residents who practice Hindu faiths, Agarwal said, that will mostly take the form of feasts and dance performances.
And since Arizona and other U.S. states have altered their fireworks laws to accommodate Diwali, expect to hear some loud daytime bangs this month.

Agarwal said the growth of the religion, along with people moving from India across the world, have led to acceptance of the festival’s practice many places.

“Diwali is India’s biggest festival and is celebrated globally by over a billion people across faiths,” she said.

Agarwal said the acceptance and acknowledgment of world religious practices, including Diwali, can be seen across the U.S. and internationally. President Biden held a White House media event commemorating Diwali in 2024.

“Given that Asian American population increasing every year, the cultural awareness and community engagement has elevated Diwali’s prominence,” Agarwal said.

Four U.S. states have made Diwali either a state or school holiday. Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke mentions Diwali during City Council meetings each year; Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego has already issued a “Diwali Week” proclamation.

In 2022, Arizona municipalities passed new measures acknowledging the state legislature had carved out some early-autumn Diwali-related dates for a revised holiday fireworks calendar.

“Fireworks signify getting rid of evil and starting afresh with new beginnings,” Agarwal said.

The sale and use of permissible consumer fireworks are allowed in Chandler, thanks to an ordinance the Chandler City Council approved in late 2022.
Chandler’s ordinance allows the sale from two days before the first day of Diwali through the third day of the celebration each year. The use of such fireworks is only allowed from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the second and third days of Diwali of each year.

In 2025, the five-day festival runs Oct. 18-23, by consensus of sources, though one can find many other five-day October-November spans online.

Agarwal said in Arizona, one can find public Diwali celebrations in communities as diverse as downtown Phoenix Paradise Valley. Tempe has held Diwali celebrations for the past five years, she said, while Chandler’s is in at least its third year.

Agarwal said Diwali is probably one of the biggest, most important annual times in Hindu culture, comparable to the way many Americans regard Christmas.

“Many foresee Diwali becoming a more broadly celebrated part of the fall and winter holiday season, joining the ‘pantheon of holiday parties’ that mainstream Americans are used to,” Agarwal said.

Agarwal, who serves on the city of Chandler’s Human Relations Commission, said like with many religions, she hopes Americans focus on the most positive, powerful messages from Diwali.

“Diwali is considered start of the Hindu financial year,” Agarwal said. “Hindus worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Diwali’s core theme is the triumph of light over darkness — and knowledge over ignorance.”

In addition to the events listed below, several Valley restaurants that serve Indian cuisine will offer specials or host events.

Jason W. Brooks can be reached at jbrooks@iniusa.org.  Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our  Civility Guidelines.

Jason W. Brooks
News Editor | Chandler Independent

Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.

Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.

Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.

Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.

Community: He supports animal shelters.