For those who are unfamiliar, Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a significant event in the religious traditions of Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism. There are many different ways that people celebrate across India and throughout the world, but the overarching theme is the triumphing of good over evil and light over darkness.
It’s celebrated over five days with a special meaning attributed to each day. Commonalities in celebrations are around enjoying sweets and delicious foods; and illuminating homes, workplaces, and temples with a variety of lights, candles and diyas (clay lamps filled with oil), even setting off fireworks. Because the timing of the festival is based on the lunar calendar, it falls between October and November.
Local resident Nikita Bijlani explains that Diwali commemorates Lord Ram rescuing his wife Sita who had been kidnapped by evil king Ravana. The return of Ram and Sita was heralded by every household in the kingdom lighting lamps, giving it the appearance of a row of lights. Bijlani says one tradition is to leave doors open to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good luck.
Another tradition is the display of rangoli, elaborate designs made of colored sand. Bijlani says, “The rangoli represents the happiness, positivity, and liveliness of a household, and is intended to welcome Lakshmi. It is believed that a Hindu household without a clean entrance and rangoli is an abode of bad luck.”