It’s a time to celebrate light overcoming darkness and good triumphing over evil. It’s Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, and this year, it falls on Oct. 20. While it’s not as well-known as other cultural observances in Hawaii, it’s still a meaningful time of year for many living here. We asked Suma Metla, physical therapist and founder of Three Little Ducks, about the significance of Diwali and how she and her family celebrate.
What is Diwali and why is it so important?
Diwali, also called Deepavali, is known as the festival of lights. It’s a five-day celebration where families gather, eat, and bond. It’s typically observed with the lighting of diya (oil lamps), enjoying fireworks, eating sweets, and exchanging presents.
On a deeper level, Diwali symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, rooted in the Hindu story of King Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana and the rescue of his wife, Sita. It’s also a time to celebrate light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
For me personally, Diwali represents connection: to my heritage, to my family, and to the values that guide my life. It's a time when I feel most rooted in who I am and where I come from, especially now as I'm passing these traditions on to my son.
Metla and her son enjoying time at a museum. Photo courtesy Suma Metla
Can you share some favorite Diwali memories?
I have so many cherished Diwali memories, but some of my favorites are participating in Diwali dance shows as a child. The Indian community in my hometown would host a Diwali dinner and talent show. The talent show gave kids the opportunity to showcase cultural dances, music, and skits. It was such a meaningful way to connect with my heritage while building lasting friendships with other kids who shared the same cultural background.
What are some ways to observe Diwali?
Growing up, we’d go to our Hindu temple for a pooja (religious ceremony) and fireworks. We also attended the annual Diwali dinner and talent show. At home, my parents and family gave us new clothes and sweets.
Since I live in Hawaii away from my immediate family, I created a group on Oahu for South Asian parents with young children. This year, I'm going to host a baby/toddler-friendly Diwali party. We’re going to have a potluck lunch featuring all our favorite South Asian foods, make rangoli (traditional Indian art) with chalk, and read stories about Diwali.
What does your son think about Diwali?
Though my son is still little, he's already drawn to the magic of Diwali: the colorful clothes, the warm glow of diyas, the excitement that fills our home. I love watching him experience the wonder that I felt as a child. Each year, I see his curiosity grow as he begins to understand the stories and traditions that make this festival so special.
Enjoying Diwali together. Photo courtesy Suma Metla
What’s your favorite Diwali-related dish?
We always make rasmalai (spongy cheese dumpling in a sweet, creamy milk) in our house for Diwali. It’s my favorite Indian sweet and something my mom puts a lot of love into making. I grew up assisting her in making this treat for parties and special holidays.
The process involves making delicate cheese dumplings that are soaked in sweetened, cardamom-scented milk. It’s time-intensive but so rewarding. Carrying on this tradition of makinng Diwali connects me to my mother's love and ensures these precious memories continue with my own son.
Make rasmalai
While Metla’s mother’s recipe exists only in her memories, here’s a version adapted from an almost-identical recipe for cheese dumplings in a cream sauce.
RASMALAI
Ingredients
- 1 15-oz. container whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1¼ cup white sugar, divided
- 3 cups half and half
- ¼ tsp. ground cardamom
- 1 pinch saffron
- ½ tsp. rose water (Optional)
- 1 Tbsp. blanched almonds, chopped
- 2 tsp. pistachio nuts, chopped
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Blend ricotta cheese and 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl with a hand mixer (or you can mix it by hand). Divide the mixture evenly between 12 muffin tip cups. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until center is cooked through.
While the cheese bakes, pour the half and half into saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat. Simmer 10 minutes. Stir the rest of the sugar, cardamom, saffron, and optional rose water and simmer another two minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
Once cheese balls are done baking, cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Arrange the cheese balls onto a dessert platter. Drizzle the cooled half and half mixture over the cheese balls. Sprinkle the almonds and pistachios over the cheese balls to serve. Enjoy!
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