IndexBringing Diwali to AmericaBigger CelebrationsWhy Diwali is Celebrated in October in the United StatesIndian diasporic communities have been forming in the United States since the early parts of the nineteenth century. There are currently 3.1 million Indian-Americans, making them one of the most populous immigrant communities in the country. They brought their culture and traditions to the United States, and that includes celebrating Diwali, or the Hindu festival of lights. This year Diwali actually falls on November 7, but Indian-American communities celebrate the holiday much earlier in October. They have their reasons. This was reported by Quartz India, a news site that covers Indian businesses. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayBringing Diwali to AmericaDuring Diwali, Hindus gather in their temples to pay homage and pray to the goddess Lakshmi. After performing religious rituals in temples, they would all head to the melas (fairs) to purchase Diwali trinkets such as their diyas (oil lamps), puja items, aarthi (prayer) books and food. Neenah Shah, a Hindu from Long Island, New York, said there were small local Indian shops in Flushing or Hicksville in New York to buy all these things. Now there are stores like Patel Brothers, Usha Foods and Apna Bazaar spread across most places in the country. It has become relatively easier to buy Indian products. The ease of procuring basic necessities during the festival season extends roughly to booking a priest for puja rituals. Puja N Punjari, a Bangalore-based company with a presence in Texas, allows people to book a priest quickly. Unfortunately, there are times when Puja N Punjari users are exploited, cheated and charged an excessive sum of $500 for a simple Satyanarayan puja ritual. Perhaps it is because of the fear of being deceived that some people turn to YouTube video tutorials on how to perform the puja themselves. In India, firecrackers were lit during Diwali celebrations. However, due to stricter environmental laws, they stopped using them. Despite this, Indians in America still ask the local police chief to allow them to use firecrackers during their festival. Some companies in America generously allow their Hindu employees to take leave and observe the religious holiday. Larger Celebrations Diwali in America is not only celebrated within the settlements of the Indian-American community. There are some events during the festival season that are celebrated on a larger scale. The non-profit organization Surati held a performance of Ramayana in English directed by Rimli Roy on October 20. Another nonprofit in North Carolina called Hum Sub hosts one of the largest Diwali celebrations in the region. There are many performances prepared for the festival participants by locals and Indian celebrities. This year it was held on October 13 and was attended by around 15,000 people, including Indian singers such as Sadhana Sargam and Amit Sana of Indian Idol. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Why Diwali is celebrated in October in the United States The main reason why Diwali in America is celebrated about a month earlier than it should be is that, according to Prakash Punj, president of Hum Sub, November will be "too cold for a outdoor event, and also the theater, which can accommodate so many people, is difficult to achieve.' Organizers always consider the weather and potential event locations before.