**HAF Spotlights Diwali Traditions in America**

The “festival of lights” is celebrated differently depending on the region of India one hails from historically.

When I celebrate Diwali, I feel the same wonder I did as a child. In these humble ceremonies lies the deepest joy, tying me to my roots and carrying their light forward”

— Swati Arun

PHILADELPHIA , PA, UNITED STATES, October 9, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — Every autumn, as nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, more than a billion people around the globe gather to celebrate Diwali — the “festival of lights.” In 2025, the main day of Diwali on October 20th.

Many Hindus recognize Diwali as a day celebrating the return of Prince Rama of Ayodhya, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshman after 14 years of exile. Prince Rama is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and an embodiment of dharma or righteousness; and Sita is an incarnation of Lakshmi, who is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. The residents of Ayodhya were overjoyed at the return of their rightful King and lit lamps in his honor.