Dipavali commonly known as Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, with variations celebrated in other Indian religions such as Jainism and Sikhism.

It symbolises the spiritual victory of Dharma over Adharma, light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvin and Kārtika – between around mid-September and mid-November. The celebrations generally last five or six days. This year it falls from October 18-22

During the festival, the celebrants illuminate their homes, temples and workspaces with diyas (oil lamps), candles and lanterns. Diwali is also marked with fireworks as well as the decoration of floors with rangoli designs (patterns created using materials such as powdered limestone, red ochre, dry rice flour, coloured sand, quartz powder, flower petals, and coloured rocks) and other parts of the house with jhalars (a long thin strip of colorful fabric used for decoration). Food is a major focus with families partaking in feasts and sharing mithai (traditional Indian sweets).

The festival is an annual homecoming and bonding period not only for families, but also for communities and associations, particularly those in urban areas, which will organise activities, events, and gatherings. Many towns organise community fairs with parades or music and dance performances in parks.