Diwali, Tihar, Dipawali — One Festival, Many Lights Across India and Nepal
Diwali , Tihar , Dipawali — One Festival, Many Lights Across India and Nepal Every autumn, millions of lamps flicker across South Asia, celebrating the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. Known as **Diwali**, **Tihar**, or **Dipawali**, this festival of lights unites people of diverse cultures and traditions across India and Nepal — yet each region celebrates it in its own unique way. Origins: The Light That Connects Us The word Diwali (or Deepavali) comes from the Sanskrit *dīpa āvali*, meaning “a row of lamps.” In Hindu mythology, it marks ** Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya ** after defeating the demon king Ravana — a moment celebrated with thousands of oil lamps. In Nepal, it is also deeply tied to the worship of ** Laxmi **, the goddess of wealth, and the sacred bond between humans, animals, and family. Diwali in India: Five Days of Lights and Legends In India,...