Tomorrow is the major Hindu festival of Diwali, the festival of lights. For most Hindus, the day is the third day of a five-day celebration, celebrating the victory of light over darkness and of knowledge over ignorance. The highlight for many is the Lakshmi Puja, a festival to the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, although other gods may also be honoured.
People celebrate by lighting lamps and putting up decorations, setting off fireworks, visiting family, giving gifts, and eating special sweets.
The time of Diwali is also sacred for Sikhs, who celebrate the day as Bandi Chhor Divas, the “Day of Liberation”. On this day, the Sikh Guru Hargobind was released from prison by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
