Diwali in India
November 9 · Level 10 · #28 of 2238
Diwali fills homes across India with light, celebrating the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Its religious meanings vary between communities, while family visits, gifts and a freshly prepared home are familiar parts of the festivities.
How it is celebrated: people light small oil lamps, create colourful rangoli designs and share sweets. Many Hindu households worship Lakshmi, the goddess associated with prosperity, though customs differ widely across regions.
Diwali also has a place in Jain tradition, where it marks Mahavira’s attainment of nirvana. The same glowing lamps can accompany quite different sacred stories.