[N. Theknow]

As it has been explained to me by Indians here in the US, Diwali isn't really a big thing back in India. For the Indian diaspora in the US, it is apparently a little more significant. And it seems to be a trendy thing amongst lilly white yuppies in the US to celebrate it to demonstrate how worldly they think they are. As one colleague put it, "I don't know why Americans always ask me about Diwali."

So... it's an Indian Kwanzaa?

[ClearCase_guy]

Cinco de Mayo is another holiday which is ignored in its place of origin, but considered a big deal in America. Liberals have a desperate need to show that they “get” the culture of brown people.

[upstanding]

No. Unlike Kwanzaa (that fabrication by communist committee) Diwali is a real festival with some significance, but as it has been explained to me, its stature & media coverage in the West is much higher than it is back home. In terms of religious or social importance, it’s a minor festival, but it is one that is easily digested by the west... or coopted by US media drones anxious to demonstrate how worldly they are.

[jjotto]

Deepavali is indeed a major Hindu (and related sects) holiday. It is a ‘festival of lights’ and a lunar new year. It is a big deal. No idea what some Indians might mean. Maybe they are Christians or Muslims or proud atheists?