When is Diwali in 2023?
Sunday, November 12-16, 2023
Your donation during Diwali celebration makes an impact at St. Jude and around the world
We believe in giving every child the best chance of a cure. By freely sharing knowledge, technology and research data, we are saving the lives of children both in our clinics and around the world.
How your donation helps families
St. Jude patient Bella and her brother home in Mumbai.
Saving kids everywhere
Bella and her family were in India when she was diagnosed with cancer. St. Jude gave them treatment and hope.
Dr. Amar Gajjar with a colleague at the hospital.
No bills from St. Jude
Families like Bella's never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.
My child is just 14 months old, and in Mumbai itself, in India itself, there is no proton therapy yet. Radiation is available, but for children 24-months old and above, not before that.
- Bella's father, Amit, describing the situation as it stood in 2018
St. Jude patient Bella with her father
Donate for Diwali and help us celebrate.
The festival of Diwali is a time to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, hope over despair. By supporting St. Jude during Diwali, you can help ensure families like Bella's never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
Frequently Asked Questions about donating during Diwali:
What is Diwali?
Diwali is the Hindu festival of light that lasts for five to six days celebrating the symbolic victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge above ignorance.
When is Diwali 2023?
Diwali is on Sunday, November 12-16, 2023
Who celebrates Diwali?
Diwali is primarily a Hindu festival with its variations also celebrated in other Indian religions. Diwali is an important holiday within the cultures of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain diaspora in the United Sates and throughout the world.
Why is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali originated in ancient India and is thought to be a fusion of regional harvest festivals. Although the religious significance of Diwali varies regionally, common among themes is a focus on ethical beginnings and the removal of obstacles, righteousness, self-inquiry and the importance of knowledge. Shared threads include the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness.
How is Diwali celebrated?
During Diwali celebrations, families light up their homes, workplaces and temples with oil lamps, candles and lanterns. Diwali is also marked with fireworks and beautiful decorations like rangoli (patterns created on a tabletop or floor using colorful powder, dry rice flour, sand, stones and flower petals) and jhalars (long thin ribbons of colorful fabric, paper or plastic).
Food is an integral part of Diwali with families partaking in feasts and sharing mithai (confections). The festival is an annual homecoming and time for bonding of communities and associations, especially within cities. Community parades are common and often include fairs with music and dance.
Where is Diwali celebrated?
Although it originates in India, Diwali is celebrated all around the world.