As fall rolls on and the sun sets earlier in the day, the darkness and clouds can get to Seattleites. Thankfully Diwali is here to light up the room and brighten everyone’s spirits. This year’s festival, celebrated on October 18 in the Armory at Seattle Center, featured cultural dancing and art, hands-on activities, and free food for anyone stopping by. 

Diwali is a traditional Indian festival that symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, or light over darkness. Generally taking place in October or November, it is a time of hope and positivity, as the community looks to remove bad energy and bring in the good kind before winter. 

This year, Seattle’s growing Indian community brought a showcase of culture to the Armory. Among the events were lamp making, work by local studio Devika Arts, and a showcase of the cultural dance called bharatanatyam. 

“Whether it’s Halloween or whether it’s just fall colors, you can smell in the air that something festive is coming,” said Nila, a volunteer. “We have worked hard, now it’s time to celebrate and recognize the goodness.”

Nila staffed a booth with candle holders called diyas for attendees to decorate. Filled with ghee (clarified butter) and using a cotton wick, they’re commonly placed outside of homes during the festival. The ghee is said to capture negativity and release positivity as it burns, and the light serves as a guiding beacon in the darkness. 

“For me personally, it’s for my children to understand their culture [and] these stories we have always grew up with,” Nila said. “Every historical story always has this principle of victory of good over evil.”