Diwali: A Festival of Goodness and Light

In Hinduism, the purpose of life is to realize the Supreme Being. The ultimate goal is to be released from one’s karma and gain freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is also called Deepavali, meaning “row of light.” In tie rich and diverse traditions of Hinduism, all stories associated with Diwali speak of the joy connected with victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and goodness over evil. The period of Diwali also holds significance in other religions. And just as the lights that glow throughout the Diwali festival, we are reminded of the blessed light every heart.