Diwali, the Festival of Lights

The practice

Diwali, also called Deepavali, is the festival of lights kept across India and the Hindu diaspora each autumn. In the north it celebrates the return of Prince Rama to his kingdom after exile and victory over the demon king Ravana; in the south it marks Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura.

How it is kept

Families clean and decorate their homes, set rows of small clay oil lamps, called diyas, along windows and paths, exchange sweets and gifts, and light fireworks. Many worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune, and open new account books for the year.

What it means

The lamps make the festival's teaching visible from the street: light is stronger than darkness, and good outlasts evil. A row of small flames on a windowsill says that no house is too small to push back the dark.