In honor of Diwali, community members went to the North Fair Oaks Library to paint their own diyas on Sunday afternoon. The workshop began with a presentation explaining the significance of Diwali, a festival celebrated in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, often called the “Festival of Lights.” Following the talk was a creative, hands-on diya-painting activity.
Diyas are traditional oil lamps made of clay that can be decorated with different designs using acrylic paint. They represent light over darkness, and good over evil. A diya symbolizes peace, prosperity, and positivity.
Event coordinator Manisha Davesar explained that Diwali, though one of the most celebrated festivals in Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism, holds different meanings for each religion.
In Hinduism, Diwali represents the Festival of Lights. For Hindus, the celebration signifies good over evil, and light over darkness.
Meanwhile, in Sikhism, the holiday is referred to as Bandi Chhor Divas, or Prisoner Release Day, commemorating the release of the sixth Guru. Sikh storytelling states that the people in the town where the sixth Guru was released lit his path home with diyas.
Then, in Jainism, Diwali marks the day that Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana, a state of spiritual freedom and peace. For Jains, the festival represents the importance of knowledge, peace, and freedom.
A small group attended the event, which kept the setting quiet and calm. The painting activity allowed participants to experience the common Diwali tradition of decorating vibrant diyas. “I particularly liked the cultural aspect of it,” attendee Christine Romero said.
Davesar provided guests with small clay oil lamps and a generous selection of acrylic paints. Each person chose their own colors and designs to personalize their diya.
Davesar grew up painting diyas with her mom. She noted that beyond Diwali, people also use diyas at home, in schools, or for everyday rituals. “We don’t want any corner of our house to be unlit because we really want that life and happiness to be from today,” Davesar said.
As part of the San Mateo County Library system’s host of Diwali celebrations, Davesar will continue the event at multiple other library locations.
Her next diya-painting activity nearby will be at the Atherton Library on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. The complete list of San Mateo County Library Diwali celebrations can be found here.
