Diwali: A Diverse Festival of Lights

Known as the festival of lights, Diwali is celebrated all over the world across various religions and cultures, especially in South Asia. Diwali is observed differently by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, creating a rich tapestry of cultural traditions and customs. "Diwali/Deepavali has long been a cultural holiday where people get together, have parties, give gifts to each other and generally pray for a prosperous future. For some communities, the day after Diwali also marks the beginning of the new year," says Deven Patel, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania's South Asia Studies department.