Copyright: diwali
Diwali or the Hindu festival of lights is a five-day religious celebration that falls at some point during the last half of October and the first half of November, coinciding with a new moon according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar. Its origins extend at least as far back as the 7th century AD as possibly an amalgamation of harvest festivals on the Indian subcontinent. It symbolizes the spiritual victory of Dharma over Adharma, light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is also a time for remembering one's ancestors.
Common activities include lighting homes, temples, and workspaces with lamps, candles, and lanterns. A ritual oil bath at dawn on each day is common, as are community parades, fairs, and dance performances in parks. Fireworks are set off, and floors are decorated with rangoli designs. Some send Diwali greeting cards to family, occasionally with boxes of confectionery.