Diwali, also called the Festival of L ights, was celebrated this year starting on October 22 . The holiday lasts for 5 days and is one of the most important holiday s in the Hindu calendar . It is celebrated on the darkest night of the year in the Hindu month of Kartik. Many Hindus pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and light diyas (lamps) , or small clay lamps. In Bengal, Diwali is a time to worship Kali, the goddess of time and death. It is a popular time to gather with family and friends to feast and enjoy sweets.

We connect with Hindus during this time by send ing thoughtful greetings to our Hindu friends, such as “Hoping Diwali brings warmth and peace into your life.” If invited, this is a good opportunity to join your Hindu friends in their celebration.

We m inister to Hindus in North America by building relationships and friendships with them. We connect with them by j oining them in their holidays and inviting them to celebrate our American holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas , and Easter . These holidays provide natural opportunities to explain the spiritual significance of these holidays as well as the reason for the hope you have within you.