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Diwali Resource Guide

What is Diwali?

This guide offers you a number of ways to discover Diwali! Resources included are a booklist with titles for all ages, e-resources available from the library, and a list of websites to learn more about Diwali.

Diwali or Deepavali, the annual Festival of Lights in the Hindu calendar, is India's biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness. It signifies the triumph of light over darkness, truth over falsehood, and good over evil. During Diwali millions of lamps are lit at homes, temples, shops and public buildings across the world. This is a time for exchanging gifts, friendship, peace, and goodwill to all. There are many regional and religious variations that impact the more specific meanings of Diwali for various Hindus, and this in turn will change the activities that accompany each celebration. It is common, however, to see candles and other light-related festivities for Diwali. Diwali is an official holiday in Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, and Pakistan.

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