Diwali (festival)

People who practice Hinduism see Diwali as a time to reflect upon their lives. They are encouraged to get rid of harmful behaviors such as laziness & jealousy, & to try seeing the good in people, even those they do not like. It is also a time for merchants to perform religious ceremonies, settle old debts, & open new account books.People often visit friends & family during Diwali. They give each other gifts & eat their favorite foods, especially sweets. New clothes are worn as a symbol of the new year. Gambling is a popular activity during Diwali. It is supposed to ensure good luck in the new year. Sometimes fireworks are set off to help scare away the evil spirits. Other religious groups—such as Jains & Sikhs—observe their own versions of the holiday.Many people in India, as well as Indians living in other parts of the world, celebrate the Hindu religious holiday called Diwali (sometimes spelled Divali). The name Diwali comes from a Sanskrit word that means “row of lights,” & the holiday is often called the Festival of Lights. Small lamps filled with oil light up houses & temples during this time. Some lamps are set out to drift in rivers & streams. The festivities last for five days. The fourth day marks the start of the new year on the Hindu calendar. On the calendar used in the United States, Diwali falls in late October or early November.