Hindus throughout the Washington, DC region and around the world celebrate the first day of the five-day holiday of Diwali. The “Festival of Lights” is the annual time for family gatherings, prayers, lamp lighting and celebration.

“Diwali is the biggest festival in India. It celebrates the victory of good over evil,” said Niti Srivastava, executive director of the Indian Cultural Association of Howard County.

The Diwali holiday in the northern states of India is celebrated as the day “on which Lord Rama returned to his kingdom…after defeating the demon king Ravan,” according to Srivastava.

“It is of great importance to Hindus. It is the largest festival in India and many firecrackers, sweets and gifts are exchanged. … It is also time for new beginnings, celebrating life with your loved ones and it is the beginning of the Hindu year,” she said.

Thursday is the first day of the festival, known as Dhanteras.

“We start by cleaning the house and then decorate it with clay lamps and lights. Then we do puja. And so it's like Christmas for us. Then we pray to…remove the obstacles and for prosperity and well-being of the family, loved ones and all the people around,” Srivastava said.

People usually buy gold or kitchen utensils to bring good luck into their home.

The biggest day of the festival will be on Saturday when people celebrate the beginning of a new year in the Hindu calendar.

“Day three is the main day of the festival, the biggest of all, Diwali. It signifies the victory of good over evil, the triumph of light over darkness, which is the central theme of Diwali. And families gather for Lakshmi Puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi, followed by a feast and then fireworks,” Srivastava said.

Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bethesda, Maryland, is hosting a Diwali celebration on Sunday, November 3, from 4:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., partnering with the group Hindus for Human Rights. Tickets are free, but registration is required.

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