Diwali is the festival of lights, and is celebrated throughout the subcontinent. It symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. And boy could we use knowledge over ignorance, especially in these rather egregiously stupid and bigoted times. It is believed that on this day Lord Ram returned to his people after 14 years of exile during which he fought and won a battle against the demons and the demon king, Ravan. To welcome the new reign the people cleaned their homes, put on their best clothes, lit the roads from the forest to the palace for Ramji, and rejoiced because it was to be a time of great love, peace, joy, and prosperity.