Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Indian festival that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Celebrated Nov. 12 this year, Diwali is called the festival of lights because celebrators traditionally light oil lamps (diyas), candles, and decorative lights in homes and public places. 
Celebrated in the Hindu, Jainism, and Sikhism religions, Diwali has different regional and cultural variations, but it is a time of joy and unity. During Diwali, people gather with friends and family, wear new clothes, celebrate with music and dance, offer prayers, and prepare special treats like laddoos and burfi.
Spend this joyful time with friends, eating delicious food, and dancing in the diyas lights with the Heersink School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion, Asian Pacific Medical Student Association, UAB Medicine, and Asian American Pacific Islander Faculty Association on Nov. 15 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Wallace Tumor Institute. All are welcome!
Other ways to celebrate Diwali include:
- Light Diyas and Candles: Whether you use lamps, candles, fireworks, string lights, or a bright display in your home, creating light symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.
- Donate to Charity: Diwali is an opportunity to give to those in need, and donating to charities or helping those less fortunate is a virtuous act during the festival. Easy ways to make change include contributing to an organization you care about or a local food bank or paying it forward in a grocery store line or drive-through.
- Exchange Gifts: Exchanging gifts with family and friends shows love and appreciation. Traditional sweets, dried fruits, and new clothes are popular gifts.
- Clean and Decorate Your Home: Diwali is a time to welcome light and positivity into your home and life. Many people clean and renovate their homes. They also decorate with diyas, candles, lanterns, and rangoli (artistic designs made from colored powders) to bring good luck.
- Festive Meals: Families and friends gather during Diwali, prepare special meals, and enjoy a feast.