Celebrate Diwali with a suitable soundtrack of songs that plays with the theme of lights. // Photo Source: On The Go ToursFor most people, the autumn season is known for Halloween. But for Hindus, a fantastic festival happens during the fall that makes it look like New Year’s has arrived early. This event is known as Diwali, and is known as the Festival of Lights. This luminous celebration is significant for Hindus because it purports the triumph of light against the dark; where the spiritual forces of good reigns supreme over evil and highlights positive aspects like hope and knowledge over despair and ignorance.
While there is no fixed date for the annual event of Diwali, it usually falls between mid-October and mid-November as per the Hindu Lunisolar calendar. Hindu practitioners in the United States celebrate Diwali, and the festival is an official holiday for many Asian countries including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Malaysia. During Diwali, homes are cleaned and decorated while people dress up in their very best clothing. Prayers are offered to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, and family members exchange gifts and partake in a large feast. Of course, Diwali isn’t complete without the requisite lights to brighten up the nocturnal soiree. Lit lamps and candles adorn houses from the inside out, as well as showcasing a display of fireworks to illuminate the night sky.
And because this is an event that venerates the importance of light in Hindu culture, we have compiled an upbeat party playlist with a suitably radiant theme that is inspired by the Festival of Lights. From twinkly electropop and incandescent hip-hop to fast-burning techno and glowing indie rock, as well as some modern takes on Hindi pop music, these songs would fit right in with the bright spirit of Diwali.
Ellie Goulding – Lights
Who knew that a song about expressing one’s fear of the dark would sound so gorgeous and ethereal? British indie songstress Ellie Goulding triumphs with this electropop gem that shimmers from start to finish.
Panjabi MC + Jay Z – Mundian To Bach Ke (Beware of the Boys)
What happens when you mash-up traditional bhangra music with elements of hip-hop and electronica? Why, you get this rather slinky dance track produced by Panjabi MC with super cool verses supplied by Jay Z.
Kanye West – All of the Lights
Controversy may often surround Kanye West, but there’s no denying his exceptional talents as a musician—particularly when he collaborated with no less than fourteen big-name artists for this brilliant hip-hop anthem.
Sunidhi Chauhan – Dhoom Machale
One of the most recognizable elements of a typical Bollywood production is the elaborately staged and choreographed dance numbers, and this song from the Indian action movie Dhoom is a good example.
Demi Lovato – Neon Lights
While Diwali traditionally uses lamps and candles to light up the festival, it probably wouldn’t hurt to use modern ways of illumination, as suggested by Demi Lovato in her energetic dance track.
Alisha Chinai – Made In India
We simply couldn’t resist including this classic Indian pop track by Alisha Chinai. Even though this song was released back in 1995, this would still be a great staple to play in future Diwali parties.
Florence + The Machine – No Light, No Light
Don’t be fooled by the ominous sounding title by this incredible British indie rock band. Fueled by commanding percussive beats and Florence Welch’s soaring vocals, this song burns bright like a wild flame.
A.R. Rahman – Jai Ho
The breakout song from the Academy-Award winning fllm, Slumdog Millionaire, brought A.R. Rahman into international mainstream consciousness, and this rousing number is definitely Diwali-ready!
Madonna – Ray of Light
This high-energy techno number from the Queen of Pop herself is perhaps definitive of what Diwali stands for: joyful, spiritual, celestial, and full of freedom and positivity. You can’t get any better than that!