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Celebrating Diwali in a time of uncertainty: Your guide to having a safe and fun holiday

  • Babeeta Nagra
  • Nov 1, 2020
  • 4 min read

Updated: Nov 22, 2020




What is Diwali


Diwali is a significant religious festival in Sikhi, Hinduism and Jainism. It is also popularly known as the “Festival of Lights” across the globe and is a lunar-calendar based event that occurs between mid-October and mid-November. This year Diwali falls on Saturday, November 14, 2020.


Around the world, the celebration revolves around the triumph of good over evil, purity over impurity, and light over darkness. While Sikhs celebrate Diwali, the story of the spiritual significance differs from other faiths. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas before Diwali. Bandi Chhor Divas is often translated to "Prisoner Release Day." In 1619, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was freed from imprisonment and returned to his home. The release date was close to the time of Diwali and therefore why Sikhs celebrate Diwali as well.


The name of the festival comes from the Sanskrit word dipavali, meaning row of lights.

Diwali is known as the 'festival of lights' because houses, shops and public places are decorated with small earthenware oil lamps called Diyas. During Diwali; temples, homes and streets are decorated with spectacular light displays, colorful garlands, and candles. Families, friends and business partners exchange gifts and sweets, and are encouraged to rid themselves of hate, anger and jealousy. The festival is a time for rejoicing and renewal.

Celebrating Diwali during a global pandemic


It is normal to have fears of celebrating Diwali this year due to the pandemic. Many of us are feeling anxiety or stress near the holiday season. If you are feeling this way, please acknowledge what your body is telling you and ensure you getting the right sleep and nutrients you body needs. It's also to okay to just unplug and take a break from the outside chatter. If you choose to celebrate this year, fear not. There are many safe options and safe practices to incorporate into your holiday celebrations.

  1. Greetings - during festive occasions people embrace one another to show affection, but this holiday unless it is your own family, it is suggested that handshaking and hugging are kept to a minimum. Wave from far or draw your hands together to give a Sat Sri Akal or a Namaste to your friends and family.

  2. Limit the guests - often around the holidays friends and family come to stay over at your house or come to attend a Diwali celebration. While opening your home in normal circumstances is a delight; this year take caution with the amount of guests you invite over. It's okay to ask guests to get tested for COVID prior to coming to your home or ask them to wear a mask in your home. Be weary of elderly family members or guests that might be higher in risk of infection. October also marks the emergence of other viruses and the flu that can put anyone in danger of infection and illness.

  3. Go virtual - this year it is completely fine to conduct virtual celebrations with larger families and friends. Many festivals and community events are going virtual too in hopes of minimizing the transmission of COVID19. Using social media you can find out where and when Diwali festivals will be taking place and updates on if they will be conducted virtually.

  4. Plan events in your garden or outdoors - if you plan to have a small gathering or event; weather permitting; try to arrange it outdoors. With a few weeks left of good weather setting up a tent and having ventilation could be useful for having small events during Diwali.

  5. DIY your decor - There are so many fun ideas to decorate your home during Diwali. Check out my blog post which will go over fun ideas, creating the ultimate Diwali tablescape and a DIY Diwali charcuterie board!

  6. Temple protocol - If you are planning to celebrate at your religious temple; keep abreast that they may move service to be virtual or televised. Stay in touch with your religious house of worship by checking their website or social media accounts regularly. If service is in person; be respectful of the temple's COVID19 safety protocols. Don't be the person who show's up not wearing a facemask. This leads me to my next tip which is...

  7. Assumption - do not assume that if you have had COVID19 that you are immune, do not assume that you are not a carrier and most importantly do not assume that you cannot get it. Take precaution. Assumption can be your worst enemy. Wear a mask.

If you're going out this holiday, shop some elegant Desi designed facemasks to match your outfit.



Check out these fun virtual events going on for Diwali!






What to wear this Diwali


When thinking of what to wear this Diwali, rich and vibrant colors are the usual. Make your outfit stand out with the hot colors for fall. Sage, Navy Blue and Purple are a few choices that I have incorporated into my lookbook below and are the in colors for fall.


Many of your usual boutiques are closed, shut down, or can't get orders to you in time for Diwali. I've linked a few outfits below for the family that are color matching and in style for this holiday season. All the outfits should be able arrive in time for the holiday. Give yourself at least 7 days prior to the holiday.


Tips for shopping online and selecting your outfit:

  1. look for ready to ship items - these will be already available and will not need any customization

  2. look for 1-3 day ship times - mail is already delayed during to COVID, take a look at the shipping dates and select one that will fit your needs. Remember businesses usually do not ship on the weekends.

  3. check out your closet - this year the style is to go with less design work and more of a minimal look. Look through your closet and mix and match!








Wishing you and your families a very safe and happy Diwali!

- Babeeta Nagra





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Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own.This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.

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