Diwali is celebrated for five days this year from Oct. 18 to 22.

The festival dates back to the 1st millennium to various festivals held in ancient India.

Archana Athalye looks forward to celebrating Diwali not only as the founder of the South Asian cultural and performing arts center Kulture Kool in Rutherford, but also as a native of India.

Celebrating this religious holiday — which begins this year on Oct. 20 — keeps her close to her roots, and she sees it as an opportunity for Hindus and non-Hindus in North Jersey to come together for festivities.

Diwali, also known as Deepavali , is the highlight of the five-day Hindu Festival of Lights, which celebrates the symbolic victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

"I think, for me, it's heartening in that the light is in t

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