Image created by Amrit Singh

Diwali is the Hindu holiday of light that happens during the Hindu month of Kartika but on the Gregorian calendar it happens mid-October to mid-November. It’s the largest holiday on the Hindu calendar and means good over evil knowledge over ignorance.

Diwali happens over five days. Most Hindus, including myself, celebrate on the third day; that day is the day of Lakshmi Pooja. Hindus during this day worship the goddess Lakshmi or the god Ganesha depending on the Hindu denomination.

My family follows mostly the Vaishnavism tradition to worship Lakshmi on Diwali, but we also celebrate Ganesha as well. But Lakshmi is mostly the one worshiped as she is the goddess of light and prosperity and good fortune.

There are many more myths on why Diwali is celebrated. It depends on the traditions and denominations. Diwali is celebrated by Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists; my family celebrates Diwali by praying not eating any meat, going to temple if we can, spending time with family and friends, doing Pooja, and most importantly, being kind and loving towards others.

Sources:

NBC News

Hindu American Association

India Times