Diwali is an incredibly significant festival in Indian culture. Throughout the country, those of varying backgrounds and traditions take time to celebrate this five-day festival. Diwali is the cultural celebration of the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It is one of the biggest holidays on the Indian calendar.

If you have been invited to a Diwali celebration this year but have never attended one before, you might be wondering just what to expect. Ultimately, this celebration is one big party, and you can expect to have a fantastic time. However, it is unlikely to be like any other cultural celebration that you have attended before.

Here are a few things to know about the celebration of Diwali and how you can prepare for the festivities.

What to Wear

Just as you would do with any other party or event that you are going to attend, you should take the time to find the right attire to wear to Diwali. You want to make the most out of the celebrations and immerse yourself in the cultural elements of Diwali as much as possible. What you are going to wear is a great place to start.

First, you should know what sort of celebration you are going to attend. If you are going to a smaller gathering at a friend’s house, you should look to stick to a more casual and conservative style for your outfit. However, if you are going to a larger event, you can have a bit more fun with your outfit.

There are a variety of options for a traditional dress for both men and women. Indian celebrations tend to incorporate lots of color, so make sure to include some vibrant hues in your attire. You should also find out if the event you are attending is going to be one where you keep your shoes on or take them off as this might affect the style of outfit you go with. You can find some great options for Asian clothing online to choose from that would be appropriate for a Diwali celebration.

There Will Be Many Lights

As the celebration of light over darkness, you can expect to see a variety of lights at a Diwali celebration. Oil lamps, smaller lights laid out in beautiful patterns, and hanging lights are going to be all about the place, signifying the triumph of goodness. It is also typical for those celebrating Diwali to decorate their homes with many lights during this time of the year as well. You will likely see some rangolis about the place bringing intricate patterns and colors into the mix.

Plenty of Music

As a major celebration, you can imagine that you will be able to experience some great music and dancing at a Diwali celebration. If you go to a larger celebration, you will likely see some amazing live performances of traditional song and dance . Don’t worry about trying to pick up on the traditional dances if you aren’t comfortable, though, as there will also be plenty of Western pop music as well.