Brookwood Celebrates Diwali

Diwali or Deepavali is starting Monday, October 24, and is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains around the world. Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights and symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. It is based on a story of Rama and Sita's return to the Kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. The citizens of Ayodhya welcomed Rama and Sita back to the Kingdom by lighting rows of Diyas (clay oil lamps). Hence the name, Festival of Lights. Diwali lasts for 5 days and is the beginning of a new year for Indian households.