Diwali, the Indian festival of lights celebrated this month, receives some extra attention because Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, who won this month, is of Indian and Jamaican descent.
The festival is celebrated in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism, ancient religions that originated in India.
The holiday celebrates the triumph of good over evil and is both religious and cultural. It has prayer, recommitment, sweets, treats and visits with family. And, yes, in this year of COVID-19, Diwali requires certain accommodations about visits and distancing to ensure safety.
Deepavali, the Sanskrit name for the holiday, predominates in South India,. It means “row of lights.” The five-day holiday is celebrated in temples and at home altars.
The holiday brought out Twitter-greetings from President Donald J. Trump, President-Elect Joe Biden, Harris, of course, and others in national offices.
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