Diwali 2014: The Hindu Festival Of Lights

This week, millions of Hindus all around the world will be celebrating Diwali. Diwali is a five-day Festival of Light that is held to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and others across the globe.

On Wednesday, President Obama released a video message, in which he sent out greetings to everyone who is celebrating the religious holiday, reports NBC News.

“For Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, lighting the lamp—the diya—is a chance to remember, even in the midst of darkness, that light will ultimately prevail,” President Obama said in his video that was posted to the White House’s official YouTube channel.

Back in 2009, President Obama became the first president to celebrate the Festival of Light at the White House. First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a Diwali celebration last year at the White House. The event included South Asian American celebrities. Mrs. Obama even danced to Bollywood songs.

The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue at the Vatican also sent a public greeting.

“May the Transcendent Light illumine your hearts, homes and communities, and and may all your celebrations deepen the sense of belonging to one another in your families and neighborhoods, and so further harmony and happiness, peace and prosperity,” the Council wrote.

The Festival of lights is one of the world’s most colorful and important festivals in the Indian culture. During Diwali, traditional foods and goodies are shared by family and friends. Homes are decorated with lights and candles.

The Festival of Lights takes place in late October through early November. This year Diwali began on October 23.

Due to the death of two members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Gursikh Sabha Canada temple, located in Toronto, decided to not display the traditional lights or hold fireworks.

Diwali is a time of family, feasting, and giving. Most employers give their employees salary bonuses and gifts. Diamond company Hari Krishna Exports Private Ltd set a new standard for giving when it gave over one thousand employees cars, houses, and jewelry as Dwali gifts, reports CBS News.

Hara Krishna Exports Private Ltd. exports finished diamonds to more than 50 countries. They recorded profits of $9.8 billion this year. The gifts they gave their employees in celebration of Diwali averaged out to around $6,500 per employee.

Happy Diwali to all who celebrate this long honored tradition.