Millions of Hindus and South Asians across the World Celebrate Diwali Today

Light up those lamps and bring out the sparkle, it's time for Diwali.

"One of the most celebrated Hindu festivals, Diwali or Deepavali commemorates the victory of good over evil during the course of five days," the Hindu American Foundation says "The word refers to rows of diyas — or clay lamps — which are put all around homes and places of worship."

The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means "row of lights," which devotees light outside their homes during the festival to represent the light that guards against spiritual darkness and symbolize good over evil.

"The light from these lamps symbolizes the illumination within all of us, which can overcome ignorance, represented by darkness," the Hindu American Foundation says.

The lights are also meant to honor and invite the goddess Lakshmi, who is associated with agriculture and abundance, to enter and bless their homes, temples, and other public spaces because Hindu belief holds that Lakshmi cannot enter a dark space,

The festival, that is spread over a period of five days, also marks the beginning of the new year in the Hindu calendar, and celebrates the year’s last rice-crop harvest,

For Sikhs, meanwhile, Divali celebrates sixthGuru who serves as a source of inspiration and a symbol for freedom. The guru was in prison and refused to leave prison without the other 52 political prisoners being released. The day of Diwali celebrates his release, along with the other political prisoners he fought for. While the reason behind the celebrations may be different, to commemorate the festival, Sikhs will also go to the Gurdwara to pray and meditate, light diyas and set off fireworks.

Initially a religious event, Diwali has evolved over the years into a festive occasion, much like Christmas and Hannukah, with people of all communities and religion joining in to celebrate.

Diwali is celebrated during the Hindu month of Kartik, which typically falls between the middle of October and the middle of November. This year, Diwali falls on October 31, 

The festival is celebrated over five days and dhanteras, the preparation period leading up to the peak of the Diwali on Oct. 31, begin two days earlier on Oct. 29.

Diwali celebrations begin by devotees deep cleaning their homes and surroundings to prepare for the goddess' arrival, as per Smithsonian. The next day, they decorate using clay lamps, candles and other lights and draw colorful patterns of flowers, powder, rice or sand on the floor, an artistic practice called rangoli meant to bring good luck.

The main celebration takes place on the night of the third day, which marks the end of the Hindu calendar year. Devotees dress up in their finest outfits, make offerings to Lakshmi, light fireworks and sparklers, and enjoy a sweet feast.

Over the next two days the celebrations continue as people host gatherings and visit family and friends to celebrate the new year.