Happy Diwali to our students and families who observe and celebrate during this time. A festival marked by four days of celebration, Diwali is the brightest and the most significant festival in Indian culture. It illuminates the country with its brilliance and dazzles people with its joyous celebration. One of the most pious occasions, Diwali is celebrated not only in India but also in southern Asia and in different parts of the world by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains for a variety of reasons. The festival, which coincides with the Hindu New Year, celebrates new beginnings and signifies light over darkness. According to the Hindu calendar, Diwali falls in the month of Kartik on the 15th day and on each of the four days of Diwali people witness distinct and well-defined traditions with a sense of joy and goodness. The festival of lights is commonly celebrated by decorating homes with candles and lamps, observing religious rituals, exchanging gifts and wishes to one another and bursting of firecrackers.