This coming Saturday, November 14th, marks the start of one of the most important vacations in the Indian calendar: Diwali. Known varyingly as Deepavali and the Festival of Lights, Diwali roughly translates to “rows of lighted lamps,” and is celebrated amongst Hindus, Jains, and other religious groups.
The vacation is renowned across the world as one of India’s most beautiful and picturesque celebrations. Colorful lanterns and fireworks light up the evening sky around the country, while families prepare at-home altars and rangoli(decorative floor designs), exchange gifts and sweets, and light firecrackers to drive off evil spirits. Celebrating the triumph of good over evil, different regions of India use the vacation to honor a number of deities – the goddess Lakshmi is celebrated in Gujarat, while northern India celebrates Rama’s return from exile and his triumph over Ravana and Tamil Nadu commemorates Krishna.
Diwali fireworks over Delhi © iStock/Thinkstock
Colorful Lanters for Diwali © iStock/Thinkstock
Diwali Candles © iStock/Thinkstock
A rangoli (floor design) in South India © iStock/Thinkstock
Fireworks through an old gate © iStock/Thinkstock
Diwali sparklers © iStock/Thinkstock
Colorful Candles © iStock/Thinkstock
