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The 10 best places to celebrate Diwali in the U.S.
The origin story of Diwali is rooted in the Hindu mythological epic of the Ramayana. It is said that when Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana, freed his wife Sita from captivity and returned to his kingdom of Ayodhya after an exile of 14 years, people lit diyas, or earthen oil lamps, to welcome him. His win also signified the triumph of good over evil.
Diwali is a moment to return to that story that all children in India have grown up with. It is also an occasion where Hindus the world over worship Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, revered as the remover of obstacles and bringer of good fortune and Goddess Lakshmi, who brings wealth, prosperity and abundance.
The festive season in India begins approximately a month before Diwali and culminates on the holiday itself. Considered an auspicious time, it is an occasion when people clean their homes, undertake renovations and indulge in big purchases such as cars, gold, jewelry, household appliances and gadgets. Festive shopping is a major cultural and economic activity, when brands roll out massive sales to capitalize on the celebratory mood.
In Delhi, where I was born and raised, Diwali parties were always something to look forward to. We dressed in our Indian best, feasted on lavish spreads of food and often drank until we passed out. It is also almost customary to play poker, specifically teen patti, a three-card game that is synonymous with Diwali nights. We also exchange gifts with all friends and family, decorate