Diwali (India and Global Hindu Communities) Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a five-day Hindu celebration symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Observed between October and November, it honors deities like Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Homes are cleaned, decorated with oil lamps (diyas), rangoli (colorful floor art), and strings of lights. Families exchange sweets, wear new clothes, and perform puja (prayers). Fireworks illuminate the night sky, believed to ward off evil spirits. While rooted in Hinduism, Diwali is also celebrated by Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists, each with distinct historical references. In India, regional variations abound—from Gujarat’s business New Year to Bengal’s Kali Puja. Globally, it unites diaspora communities from London to Toronto in shared ritual and pride. More than religious observance, Diwali fosters renewal, gratitude, and intergenerational bonding. Its universal message—hope in times of darkness—resonates across cultures, making it one of the world’s most luminous expressions of collective optimism and spiritual warmth.
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