November 6, 2023
Weekly global religious, spiritual and nonreligious observance information
The President's Committee on Religion, Spirituality and Nonreligious Diversity presents the global observance information for Nov. 6-12.
Diwali (Dipavali) — Sunday, Nov. 12. Tradition: Hinduism. Perhaps the most popular of all Hindu festivals, also known as the Festival of Lights, it is dedicated to the goddess Kali in Bengal and to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, in the rest of India. As with several other festivals, Diwali is associated with one of the stories about the destruction of evil by Vishnu in one of his many manifestations.
Diwali/Mahavira Nirvana — Sunday, Nov. 12. Tradition: Jainism. This Festival of Lamps celebrates the attainment of Moksa by Lord Mahavira. A burning lamp symbolizes the light of knowledge, which dispels the darkness of delusion and ignorance.
American Indian/Indigenous Heritage Month, Nov. 1-30.
The President's Committee on Religious, Spiritual and Nonreligious Diversity welcomes those of all global religious, spiritual and nonreligious commitments. Further, we welcome any suggestions, questions or other comments. Please contact the committee’s interim chair, David Yetter, at dyetter@k-state.edu.