Diwali , one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism , Jainism , and Sikhism , lasting for five days from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day of the light half of the lunar month Karttika. (The corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar usually fall in late October and November.) The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali , meaning “row of lights.” The festival generally symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. History Diwali developed over centuries from local traditions that occur on the days surrounding the new moon day of Karttika. The most ancient mention of the holiday can be found in the Kamasutra of Vatsyayana (3rd century ce ). In that instance it is called Yaksharatri, or night of yaksha s (nature spirits led by Kubera , the god of wealth). The Puranas (400–1500) provide the most comprehensive picture ...