Diwali (or Deepavali, “row of lights”) is celebrated
by Hindus worldwide to commemorate
the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over
ignorance, hope over despair. Oil-wick lamps
are lit in every household, along with
colorful strings of electric lights, causing
the home, village and community to
sparkle with dancing fl ames. The festival
falls on the day before the new moon
in the month of Ashwin (October/November).
Communities spare nothing in
celebration. Lavish spreads of sweets and
treats refl ect unfettered partying. Diwali
lehyam—a potent concoction made
with ginger, pepper, ghee and more—is
provided to help gourmands digest the
sumptuous feast. Families reach out to
each other with gifts of sweets, dried
fruit and crunchy, salty treats. Everyone
wears colorful new clothing and many
even new jewelry. Girls and women
decorate their hands with henna designs.
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