What is Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and how is it celebrated in India and the diaspora?

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Over five days, people take part in festive gatherings, fireworks displays, feasts and prayer.

Diwali is the most important festival of the year in India — and for Hindus in particular.It is celebrated across faiths by more than a billion people in the world’s most populous nation and the diaspora. Diwali is derived from the word “Deepavali,” which means “a row of lights.” Celebrants light rows of traditional clay oil lamps outside their homes to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

—In southern India, many have an early morning warm oil bath to symbolize bathing in the holy River Ganges as a form of physical and spiritual purification.—In the north, worshipping the Goddess Lakshmi, who symbolizes wealth and prosperity, is the norm.Gambling is a popular tradition because of the belief whoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the year. Many people buy gold on the first day of Diwali, known as Dhanteras — an act they believe will bring them good luck.

 

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