Q: What is Diwali?

A: Diwali is a Hindu holiday which symbolizes New Years in the Hindu calendar. Like what most people say, it’s also called the Festival of Lights.

Q: Why is it celebrated?

A: It’s mainly focused on Lakshmi Mata, which is another name for Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth).

Q: How did you celebrate Diwali?

A: I celebrated Diwali by going to the HTCI (Hindu Temple of Central Indiana) where we prayed to Goddess Lakshmi and saw fireworks.  

Q: What is the purpose of the lights?

A: The purpose of the lights is to represent “light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.”

Q: What is your favorite part of Diwali?

A: My favorite part of Diwali is actually doing my own fireworks at my house or just being able to eat a lot of different types of sweet food.

Q: Do you and your family have any special traditions for Diwali?

A: My family and I go to a Diwali party every year with a bunch of other families to play games, dance and eat food.

Q: Is there anything else you think people should know about Diwali?

A: I would like people to know that Diwali is not Indian Christmas. It’s New Year’s in the Hindu calendar.