Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, celebrates the victory of light over darkness. On Long Island and around the world, the celebration starts with prayer and the lighting of the diya (an oil lamp) in homes and places of worship.

The holiday spans five days (Oct. 18-22) with the maincelebration on Oct. 20. It continues the following day with the bringing of traditional food to places of worship adding to Annakut, a large food offering to God. Here are ways to observe the holiday:

Oct. 5: DIWALI CELEBRATION

Global Harmony House, 46 S. Middle Neck Rd., Great Neck

"Lighting the Path to a Golden Future" features a Diwali exhibition that explores spiritual themes and includes festive displays from 2:30 to 5 p.m.; Diwali program with cultural performances and music, 3 to 4:30 p.m. .

Cost

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