Diwali, the festival of light celebrates the spiritual victory of good over evil, and is one of the most popular festivities in Hinduism. While some Hindus mark the occasion by celebrating the return of warrior king Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Lankan-king Ravana, others worship Goddess Laxmi, the divine figure associated with prosperity. Some others worship the divine figure of Kali, also known as a destroyer of evil forces.

While Indians celebrate the festival of Diwali amid much pomp and splendour, India’s videsi contingent, recreate a slice of home far far away, revelling amidst family and friends.

Away from home, irrespective of their religion Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists unite to celebrate the festival of lights.

While many participate in the rituals associated with the festival, offering prayers to Hindu deities, praying for material and spiritual prosperity and wealth, some others conduct large family gatherings distributing traditional sweets between relatives and friends. 

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The White House had celebrated the auspicious occasion of Diwali in 2019, with President Donald Trump along with First Lady Melania Trump wishing Indian Americans “a blessed and happy celebration.” In the past years, programmes celebrating Indian culture were conducted at the New York Times Square and Disneyland to commemorate the symbolic victory of ‘good over evil.”

However this year, amid a raging pandemic, celebrations have gone online, says a USAToday article. It adds that a diya will be lit at Times Square, following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address and a virtual concert.

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In San Antonio participants can join a livestream of events including yoga, cooking tutorials, diya lighting, and a dance party, as per digital media outlet USA Today.