Homes shine bright with clay lamps and design patterns called rangoli. The aroma of elaborate feasts permeates the air, and fireworks can be seen as they crackle during the day and night. Often the Diwali celebration takes place over five days to the delight of all its participants, young and old.

Diwali is a festival of lights. It is one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indi...