What do you do during Diwali?

Every autumn, millions of people attend Diwali, the festival of lights, to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

During the festival, lamps are lit in the streets and in homes to symbolise light triumphing over darkness. Many celebrations include the lighting of fireworks.

Rangoli, which are traditional works of Indian art, are also used to decorate homes. According to the Hindu American Foundation, they are traditionally made with sand, rice, or flower petals. Many people display ancient Hindu art in their homes.

People also dress up in their best clothes and hold worship ceremonies for Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth.

Finally, many families gather, visit the temple, exchange gifts, donate to charity, and feast.

Diwali, originally a Hindu festival, has crossed religious boundaries and is now celebrated by Jains and Sikhs as well. It is a significant cultural event for the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain diasporas.

The main day of the Diwali festival is an official holiday in Fiji.  Guyana India, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago