Diwali, also known as Deepavali and the festival of lights, is an ancient Hindu festival celebrating the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest new moon of the Hindu Calendar.

Before Diwali night, people clean and decorate their homes. They dress up in new clothes, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their homes. They also participate in family puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. There are fireworks, celebrating, and visiting with family and friends. A family feast includes mithai (sweets) and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Diwali is a time where everyone comes together to honor the light in each other.