Diwali

dee-VAH-lee
The Festival of Lights, a New Year Festival, is one of the most popular holidays in south Asia and is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. Houses, shops, public places and shrines are often decorated with lights. These symbolize the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Sikhs celebrate this as Bandi Chhor Divas, or a day when Guru Hargobind Sahib freed many innocent people from prison.

Common Practices

Typically celebrated by dressing in colorful traditional clothing, lighting the inside and outside of homes with rows of lamps or other lights, and fireworks. There are also worship services, a large traditional feast, and a gift exchange. Diwali’s significance and celebration vary across different religious traditions.

Community Considerations

Hindu employees may likely request the day off.

Diwali

Diwali

Common Practices

Community Considerations

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