Diwali

Diwali is the festival of lights — one of the biggest holidays of the year in India, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains all over the world. It’s about light winning out over darkness and good over evil. In the most popular story, it marks the night Lord Rama came home after defeating the demon king Ravana, and the whole city lit lamps to welcome him back.

These days people celebrate by lighting rows of little clay lamps called diyas, decorating with colorful rangoli, dressing up, setting off fireworks, and eating far too many sweets with friends and family. Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8 this year, so we’re kicking it off the night before.