My neighbors hung lights from a tree outside their home beginning last weekend. It was a sign that Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, was about to get underway.
The biggest festival on the Hindu calendar is being celebrated this weekend by Indian Americans in the United States and throughout the world.
Diwali is also observed by Sikhs and Jains. According to How Stuff Works, the name comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali meaning “row of lighted lamps.” It is a celebration of good over evil and knowledge over fear, greed and anger.
“May the Festival of Lights inspire us to lift our communities up from darkness, live with hope instead of despair, and stand up for what is right. I hope everyone celebrating gets the chance to spend time with their loved ones on such a joyous occasion,” Indian American Congresswoman and presidential candidate Kamala Harris (C-CA) said, according to The Hindu.
President Trump also marked the holiday on Thursday in a private gathering in the oval office with an invited group of Indian Americans.
Rep Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) called on celebrants to bring hope and light to the world.
“Let us continue to oppose the forces of hate, racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia that seek to divide and distract us. And let us call out injustice and inequality wherever it occurs.”
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