Lanterns illuminated for the Diwali festival, Mumbai, India

All aglow for Diwali. Diwali

Diwali is a five-day celebration of the symbolic victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Though Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the Hindu faith, it is also embraced by Sikhs, Jains, and even some Buddhists. Celebrants often decorate their homes with oil lamps called diyas and create colorful patterns on the floor known as rangolis. Streets, markets, temples, and other public spaces are also illuminated with hanging lanterns like those seen in our homepage photo.

Each day of the festival has its own significance, but day three—called Lakshmi Puja—is considered the main event. Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth. To prepare for Lakshmi Puja, people clean their homes to welcome Lakshmi's blessings of prosperity and happiness. Diwali celebrations in 2021 last until November 6, so there's still time to embrace the light.