Thousands of Diyas Light Up Tennessee as Communities Celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights

Tennessee Leaders and Communities Unite for Diwali, the Festival of Lights

Nashville, TN– Tennessee came alive with the glow of thousands of diyas this week as state leaders, community organizations, and residents gathered to celebrate Diwali, joining millions worldwide in one of the most significant celebrations in Hindu, Jain, and Sikh traditions.

Understanding Diwali: The Festival of Lights

Diwali, derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “row of lights,” is a multi-day festival that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Celebrated primarily by Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities, the festival holds unique significance for each tradition but shares common themes of renewal, hope, and spiritual illumination.

During Diwali, families light oil lamps called diyas, which are placed in rows along windowsills, doorways, and courtyards to guide the way for prosperity and good fortune. The festival is marked by the exchange of gifts, elaborate feasts featuring hundreds of vegetarian dishes, colorful rangoli designs adorning homes, and spectacular fireworks displays. It’s a time when families gather to express gratitude, seek blessings for the year ahead, and strengthen bonds with loved ones.

The main Diwali celebration in 2025 took place on Monday, October 20, though festivities extend over several days, each with its own rituals and significance.

Tennessee’s Statewide Celebration

This year’s Tennessee celebration, hosted by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, exemplified the festival’s unifying spirit under the theme “Where There Is Unity, There Is Light” – chosen by BAPS spiritual leader His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. The theme emphasized bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, reflecting both the essence of Diwali and Tennessee’s multicultural community.

The event was a remarkable display of collaboration, with numerous community partners joining forces, including the Gujarati Cultural Association, Greater Memphis Tamil Association, Indian American Associations, Sri Ganesha Temple, Sri Saibaba Temple, Gurudwara Sahib, AAHOA, American Asian Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPi), Kerala Association, Tamil Association, and Jain Samaj, among others.

Political Recognition and Community Support

The celebration drew an impressive roster of Tennessee political leaders, demonstrating the festival’s growing recognition in the state’s cultural landscape. Attendees included Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, Senior Advisor to the Governor John J. Deberry, and Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Scott Golden, along with several state representatives including Rep. Joe Towns of Memphis, Rep. Vincent Dixie of Nashville and local officials.

The significance of the celebration was further underscored by joint proclamations from the Tennessee State Senate and House of Representatives, as well as official recognition from Governor Bill Lee, acknowledging Diwali’s important role in promoting cultural understanding and civic unity across Tennessee.

“Events like this remind us that Tennessee’s strength is in its unity,” said Bhadresh Patel, capturing the sentiment shared by many attendees.

A Festival Rich in Tradition

The celebration featured traditional elements that bring Diwali to life: speeches honoring the festival’s significance, the ceremonial lighting of diyas, vibrant cultural performances showcasing Indian dance and music, and a communal vegetarian meal – an essential component of Diwali celebrations that brings communities together in a spirit of sharing and gratitude.

About the Host Organization

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the primary organizer of Tennessee’s statewide celebration, is a volunteer-driven spiritual organization with over 120 mandirs (temples) across North America and more than 5,000 centers worldwide. Operating under the spiritual guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the organization is dedicated to fostering individual growth through Hindu values of faith, service, and harmony, with thousands of volunteers contributing millions of hours annually to community service and cultural preservation.

A Growing Tradition

As Tennessee’s population becomes increasingly diverse, celebrations like Diwali serve as bridges between cultures, offering opportunities for all residents to learn about and appreciate the rich traditions of their neighbors. The official recognition from state leaders and the enthusiastic participation of diverse community organizations signal that Diwali has firmly established itself as an important part of Tennessee’s cultural calendar.

The Festival of Lights in Tennessee stands as a testament to the power of cultural celebration to unite communities, transcend differences, and illuminate the path toward greater understanding and harmony – values that resonate far beyond any single tradition or community.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​