Diwali is the infamous holiday that is celebrated once a year. It will be celebrated Thursday, October 19 in 2017. It is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. It is also an official holiday in the Fiji, Guyana, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. This holiday spiritually signifies good overcoming evil.
The story is that Rama was banned from his home, by King Dashratha. This is because Rama’s stepmother wanted her own sons to become king and not Rama and Lakshamana. So, she made King Dashratha do this. So Rama, Lakshamana, Hanuman (the monkey king), and Sita (Rama’s wife) lived in the forest. One day, a demon, Ravan, kidnapped Sita. It was up to the rest to save Sita. After a vicious fight with Ravana’s army, they got Sita back. 14 years passed and finally it was time for them to go home. Lights lit up the path of their way home.
Diwali is the festival of lights. This is because this is what led Rama, Lakshamana, and Sita back to their home land. The whole celebration is happening because Rama, Lakshamana, & Hanuman defeated Ravana’s army. This holiday is rejoicing that good won over evil.
Diwali is a very important culture to some religions. In America, we even have a day off if it is on a school day. Diwali is also very serious in some religions. Although different religions celebrate this holiday, they all generally celebrate it the same way. This is a really fun holiday. If you see anyone on Diwali, make sure you wish them: Happy Diwali!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali
http://www.theholidayspot.com/diwali/calendar.htm
http://hinduism.about.com/od/diwalifestivaloflights/a/diwali.htm
Grover Middle School's Jagazine 