A very popular festival known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali (Deepavali) is dedicated to the Goddesses Kali in Bengal and Lakshmi (the Goddess of Wealth) in the rest of India. Diwali is associated with a story about the destruction of evil by Lord Vishnu in one of his many manifestations. Religious accommodation for special worship may be required for this observance/holy day. -----

Bandhi Chhor Divas means "The day of the prisoner's release." It commemorates the return of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, to the holy city of Amritsar after his release from detention. Since he was released on the day of Diwali (the "Festival of Lights"), Sikhs in Amritsar illuminate the city. Religious accommodation for special worship may be required for this observance/holy day. -----

On this day (falling on Diwali), Mahavira (6th century BCE), the 24th Tirthankara, attained nirvana and release from the cycle of rebirth (moksha).

Religious accommodation for special worship may be required for this observance/holy day.