Deepavali, better known as Diwali, is the festival of lights that many Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains around the world celebrate. A holiday that arrives every year in the fall season, the day calls for everyone celebrating to decorate their homes with lights, hold prayers, and celebrate the victory of good over evil.

Despite being away from the homeland of India, the Holiday of Diwali has been something that has not changed for many. Diwali is celebrated on the day it falls on the calendar no matter what corner of the world you are in, while many other religious holidays may be pushed off to the side due to rules and regulations of various countries. As an individual who has grown up in a Hindu family our traditions and ways of celebrating are refreshing and have kept me connected to my roots in India.

Diwali often falls on a day in between mid-October and mid- November. According to the stories my parents told me growing up, we have celebrated the holiday as a joyous occasion in response to the God Rama rescuing his wife, Sita, from the demon god Ravana. Rama was able to save his wife with the help of his brother, and return home after a dark battle. This resource signifies the defeat of evil by the power of goodness and light. Upon their return, the villagers lit up lights. However many Hindus, celebrate this five-day long holiday in dedication to the Goddess Laxmi. She represents the Goddess of wealth. The day of Diwali is represented where she and her husband, Vishnu, get married.

Many other religions practice this holiday for different reasons. But, they all receive the idea of positivity overcoming the darkness that people may face.

On the day of Diwali, many people begin their day by cleaning their homes in hopes to remove the negativity from their homes before sundown. Then, families get together and wear colorful traditional clothing. Upon the dressing, the diyas (lamps) lite up around the interior and exterior of the homes that people live. Upon lighting the lamps, people begin a prayer to various gods, primarily the Goddess Laxmi in hopes to bring wealth and prosperity into their homes in the new year. Many prayers, including the one done in my house, takes place when the sun goes down. This holiday may represent the families coming together to appreciate the good in life.Every year, my family often ends prayers with sweets. The sweets add to the joyous night that celebrates the goodness that the holiday is meant to bring.

Every fall, I get excited to celebrate the holiday, as it is a reminder of the triumph of good or evil, but also serves to bring families together regardless of their locations around the world. With the culture, food, and religious entities available in New York City, celebration and understanding of the holiday is a must. This year Diwali is on the calendar for Thursday October 19th, and will be the day when I am yet again able to get in touch with my cultural and religious roots.