Diwali or Deepavali celebrates the "victory of good over evil during the course of five days," according to the Hindu American Foundation.

Bring out the sparkle and light up those lamps; it's time for Diwali celebrations.

Millions of Hindus and South Asians across the globe will celebrate the annual Festival of Lights on Monday, Oct. 20, by praying, gathering, partying, having dinners and eating festive foods.

"One of the most celebrated Hindu festivals, Diwali or Deepavali commemorates the victory of good over evil during the course of five days," the Hindu American Foundation says, explaining "the word refers to rows of diyas -- or clay lamps -- which are put all around homes and places of worship."

Here's what you need to know about Diwali.

What is Diwali, the 'Festival of Lights'?

The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning "row of lights," which devotees light outside their homes during the festival to represent the light that guards against spiritual darkness and symbolizes good over evil.

"The light from these lamps symbolizes the illumination within all of us, which can overcome ignorance, represented by darkness," the Hindu American Foundation says.

The lights are also meant to honor and invite the goddess Lakshmi, who is associated with agriculture and abundance, to enter and bless their homes, temples and other public spaces. Hindu belief holds that Lakshmi cannot enter a dark space, according to the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art.

The festival, which is spread over a period of five days, also marks the beginning of the new year in the Hindu calendar and celebrates the year's last rice-crop harvest, according to Journal Storage (JSTOR).

While Diwali is a major religious festival for Hindus, the Associated Press reported that Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists also observe it, and that the holiday's origin story varies depending on the region. However, all of them follow the same underlying themes of good triumphing over evil and light over darkness.

For example, for Sikhs, Diwali celebrates the sixth Guru, who serves as a source of inspiration and a symbol for freedom. The guru was in prison and refused to leave prison without the other 52 political prisoners being released. The day of Diwali celebrates his release, along with the political prisoners he fought for. While the reason behind the celebrations may differ, to commemorate the festival, Sikhs will also go to the Gurdwara to pray, meditate, light diyas and set off fireworks.

Initially a religious event, Diwali has evolved over the years into a festive occasion, much like Christmas and Hannukkah, with people of all communities and religions joining in to celebrate.

When is Diwali?

Diwali is celebrated during the Hindu month of Kartik, which typically falls between the middle of October and the middle of November. This year, Diwali begins on Monday, Oct. 20.

The festival is celebrated over five days, and Dhanteras, the preparation period leading up to the peak of Diwali, begins two days earlier on Saturday, Oct. 18.

How is Diwali celebrated?

Diwali celebrations begin with devotees deep cleaning their homes and surroundings to prepare for the goddess's arrival, according to the Smithsonian. The next day, devotees decorate using clay lamps, candles and other lights, drawing colorful patterns of flowers, powder, rice or sand on the floor, which is an artistic practice called rangoli that's meant to bring good luck.

The main celebration takes place on the night of the third day, which marks the end of the Hindu calendar year. Devotees dress up in their finest outfits, make offerings to Lakshmi, light fireworks and sparklers, and enjoy a sweet feast.

Over the next two days, the celebrations continue as people host gatherings and visit family and friends to celebrate the new year.

For Hindus, Diwali is also a time for dana (charitable giving) and seva (selfless service), according to the Hindu American Foundation.

Is Diwali a federal holiday?

While Diwali itself is not a federal holiday, several states, including Pennsylvania and Connecticut, recognize it as a state holiday, according to the Los Angeles Times. Schools, government offices and businesses aren't required to close in observance, CBS News reported. On Oct. 10, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San José) to designate Diwali as an official state holiday. The bill, which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026, will allow community colleges and public schools to close on Diwali and give state employees the choice to take the day off with pay.

The New Jersey Department of Education allows its students to observe Diwali, so they can take the day off without any consequences. In New York City, public schools are closed on Diwali under an education law that was enacted in 2023.

Contributing: Michelle Shen, USA TODAY / Mariyam Muhammad, Columbus Dispatch

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

When is Diwali, why is it celebrated? What to know about the Hindu Festival of Lights