Sweets for Diwali. | Shutterstock From a day on the farm to a Diwali cruise Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, falls on Thursday, October 31 this year, though celebrations of the full five days will begin on Monday, October 28, and run through Saturday, November 2. The holiday symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and traditional celebrations include cleaning the home, gathering for feasts, and decorating the floor with rangoli, intricate designs made with colored powders or sand. Here are some ways to celebrate Diwali in Portland: Diwali dinner at Our Table Regional co-op Our Table is hosting a Diwali dinner on November 2 prepared by founder Narendra Varma. The meal will be paired with bottles from Terra Vina Wines. Tickets are available for $125 a person. Diwali at Desi Bites Beaverton’s Desi Bites is hosting a Diwali bash on Friday, November 15. Look forward to henna art, live performances, Bollywood bangers playing over the speakers, and a raffle. Desi Bites will be offering an a la carte dinner with a Diwali-themed menu, available only for the party. Tickets are available through Eventbrite. Diwali cruise about the Portland Spirit Celebrate Diwali in style on board the Portland Spirit on November 15. Take in the Portland skyline while dancing the night away to Desi tunes. Festive clothing, or Desi attire, is encouraged in honor of the celebration. Tickets are available through Eventbrite. Open farm day at Zenger Farm Portland’s urban farm, Zenger, is hosting an open farm day for Diwali on Saturday, November 16. Open for all ages, the day includes farm tours, garden projects, and other seasonal activities. Tickets are available on a sliding scale; only one ticket is required for each family.