Dīpāvalī 2103: New York City, New York

Dīpāvalī (the "row of lights") is the most widely celebrated festival in the Hindu world, falling on Amāvasyā, the new-moon night (Āśvina Amāvasyā under the amāvasyānta month reckoning used across South and West India, Kārtika Kṛṣṇa Amāvasyā under the pūrṇimānta reckoning used across North India). For one night the darkness of Amāvasyā is turned inside out by millions of clay dīpas, electric lights, fireworks, and the collective resolve of every household to welcome Goddess Lakṣmī into their lives.

The festival's most universal story is the return of Lord Rāma to Ayodhyā after 14 years of exile and his victory over Rāvaṇa. The people of Ayodhyā lit rows of lamps (dīpāvalī) to welcome him home in the dark of Amāvasyā. In South India the day commemorates Kṛṣṇa's defeat of Narakāsura (the demon of darkness) and his liberation of 16,100 women held captive. In West Bengal and Odisha, Kālī Pūjā is performed on this night.

The central ritual is Lakṣmī Pūjā, performed at Pradoṣa Kāla (evening twilight) or Niśīta Kāla (midnight), depending on the tradition. The goddess of wealth and auspiciousness is invited into a spotlessly clean, lamp-lit home. New account books (in merchant families), gold, silver, and gifts are placed before her image. The pūjā is followed by prasāda, firecrackers, and exchange of sweets with neighbours.