All About 'D'-iwali
Made from clay and filled with oil, this temporary and decorative lighting is one of the most enduring symbols of Diwali
Diya
Laddoos, Gulab Jamuns, Kheer, Jalebis
Sweets
Literally translated to ‘Sometimes Happiness, Sometimes Sorrow’, this multi-starrer Hindi movie begins with a Diwali scene
Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham
Diwali marks the return of this Hindu God to his kingdom after a 14-year exile
Lord Rama
Barack Obama, belonging to this party, became the first US President to personally attend Diwali at the White house in 2009
Democratic
Flower Pots, Sparklers, Twinkling stars, Garlands, Rockets
Fireworks / Crackers
A successful soap opera producer and the Queen of Indian Television, she hosts the most lavish Diwali card parties in Bollywood
Ekta Kapoor
Southern India celebrates Diwali to mark the slaying of a demon by this Hindu God, whose name means ‘The Dark One’
Krishna
Another popular Indian festival, 21 days after which Diwali is celebrated
Patterns or motifs created on the floor or ground using colored rice, flour or sand
Rangolis
Headlining films like Eat, Pray, Love and Pretty Woman, this Hollywood star is a practising Hindu who celebrates Diwali
Julia Roberts
The Sikhs celebrate Diwali as a return of their Guru from prison to this city named 'The Lake of Nectar'
Amritsar
An extremely auspicious day to make new purchases, especially gold, this also marks the first day of the Diwali festival
Dhanteras
Known as the Crossroads of the World, this site of the largest celebration of Diwali in America is famous for its annual ball drop ceremony and more recently, its digital fireworks display
NYC Times Square
The Khan with the most successful Diwali releases in Bollywood
Shahrukh Khan
Jainism celebrates Diwali as the attainment of this, by Mahavira.
Also an American rock band featuring Kurt Cobain as its lead singer and guitarist
Nirvana