Diwali (also know as Deepavali) is the Hindu “festival of lights” celebrated based on the lunar calendar in October/November every year and is an official holiday in India, Pakistan, Fiji, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago. The festival, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists, involves poojas (prayers) in which devotees light diyas (candles), lamps and even fireworks to celebrate and recognize goodness, knowledge, and hope over evil, ignorance and despair.