Known as the "Festival of Lights," Diwali is a holiday of great significance to Indian Americans and South Asian Americans and traditionally celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains.

The word “Diwali” is a shortened version of the Sanskrit term “Deepavali,” which means “a row of lamps.”

During Diwali, people light small oil lamps, place them around the home, and pray for health, knowledge, and peace.

According to the Farmer's Almanac , Diwali celebrates the marriage of Lakshmi to Vishnu, the god of protection, and honors both deities, or may mark the return of Lord Rama after 14 years of exile.

In essence, the holiday celebrates light over darkness and good over evil.

Diwali is based on the Hindu lunar calendar and not the Gregorian calendar, as used by the United States

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