Today marks the beginning of the celebration of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. 

Diwali is the most popular of all Hindu festivals, and is also celebrated by Jains and Sikhs. During this four-day festival, celebrants decorate houses and public places lamps.

Who/what is being celebrated?
Initially, Diwali marked a Hindu harvest. But over time it became associated with a number of gods, goddesses, and associated tales.

Lakshmi: For most Hindi Indians, Diwali honors Lakshmi, goddess of wealth. For that reason, Hindus see this as a good time to start a new business or to pray for success in the coming year. The lamps placed in homes and public places at this time are used to guide Lakshmi to homes and businesses. 

Kali: In Bengal, celebrants honor Kali, goddess of strength. 

Parvati: Some believe Diwali is celebrated as the day when the goddess Parvati gambled with her husband. 

Krishna and Vishnu: Hindus may celebrate the vanquishing of demons by these gods. 

Rama and Sita: Others celebrate Diwali as the time when the god Rama and his wife Sita returned home after exile. 

Lord Mahavira: Jains celebrate the day Lord Mahavira attained nirvana, eternal bliss.

Regardless of which god a given celebrant is honoring, each story tells of victory over evil, light over darkness, thankfulness and hope over despair, prosperity over poverty, and so on. Again, this is a festival of light, which has conquered darkness and empowers goodness and hope.

How is it celebrated?
Diwali is usually celebrated with lights and fireworks. Many countries have also taken to buying clothes, treats, and larger gifts at this time. 

Thanks to Senate Resolution 299 and House Resolution 747, both passed by in 2007, the United States now recognizes the “religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali.“