Diwali

Culture of origin: Hindu · Cultural

Holiday sources: Hinduism · Iran

Diwali, from Dipavali, "a row of lights", celebrates the victory of light over darkness and of good over evil. Many connect it with Rama's return to Ayodhya and with Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity; homes and temples are lit with oil lamps, floors are decorated with rangoli, and families share sweets. In Iran, Indian merchants built a Hindu temple in Bandar Abbas in 1892, and there was another in Zahedan.