A holiday as festive as Christmas

Today, at least one-seventh of the world is partying.

The cycles of the moon have determined that Nov. 9, 2007, is Diwali, or Festival of Lights. It is one of the biggest Hindu holidays, celebrated over five days by 900 million people worldwide. The festival also marks the end of the Indian fiscal year.

Hindus celebrate Diwali by lighting candles, performing prayer services, setting off fireworks and exchanging multitudes of sweets. Elders give gifts to children, often of clothing. Homes are decorated with lights and intricate chalk drawings and families eat huge meals.

Diwali marks the return of the popular fabled prince Rama to his kingdom, Ayodhya, thousands of years ago.

Rama, a reincarnate of God who embodies complete virtue, was expelled for 14 years from Ayodhya by his father, who was acting under an obligation to Rama's jealous stepmother. The step-mother had her own son crowned king, even though Rama was eldest.

While in exile and living in a treacherous forest, Rama gains wisdom and slays the tyrannical demon, Ravana.

Rama's return to Ayodhya is celebrated during Diwali because it symbolizes the inevitable triumph of good over evil.

-- Rupa Shenoy