Diwali

Diwali or Deepawali, known as the “festival of lights,” is usually celebrated in October or November, and is on November 12 this year. Lasting over five days, the holiday is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs worldwide. The name of this festival is derived from ‘avali,’ which means ‘row,’ and ‘deepa,’ meaning “clay lamps.” When merged, these words mean “a row of lights.” For this reason, lights are symbolic of this festival and Indians go overboard with sparklers and fireworks to fuel the inner light that spiritually protects them from the darkness.