Hindus celebrate Diwali holiday in Bartlett

Hindus across North America, including thousands in Chicago's suburbs, took part in Diwali celebrations Monday like the one at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, to demonstrate the triumphant fight of good over evil.

With its overall message of "In the joy of others lies our own," the annual festival of lights started with song and hundreds of handmade food dishes on display.

This one-day event draws people of all ages, faiths and religions to a festive place to raise awareness of Hindu culture and traditions.

Purvi Patel of Hanover Park describes the Diwali holiday as a "home away from home as a means for us to connect with India, our culture, heritage and traditions, especially since we were born and raised in America. We feel like we can have a connection with our ancestors where we won't lose sight of where we came from spiritually."