Sarah: Hi, John! Do you celebrate any special holidays or festivals in your culture?
John: Hey, Sarah! Yes, we do! One of the most important ones for us is Diwali, the festival of lights. Have you heard of it?
Sarah: Oh, yes! I've read a bit about it. It sounds fascinating. Can you tell me more about it?
John: Of course! Diwali is a Hindu festival that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It's celebrated with lots of lights, fireworks, and delicious sweets. People clean their homes and decorate them with colorful rangoli patterns to welcome the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.
Sarah: That sounds beautiful! Is there a specific story or legend behind Diwali?
John: Yes, there are actually several stories associated with Diwali, but one of the most popular ones is the story of Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting oil lamps to guide his way home, which is why we light lamps during Diwali.
Sarah: Wow, that's a powerful story! So, how do people celebrate Diwali today?
John: Nowadays, Diwali is celebrated not only by Hindus but also by people of other faiths across India and in many other countries. It's a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and share joy. We also visit temples, offer prayers, and distribute sweets to friends and neighbors.
Sarah: It sounds like such a vibrant and inclusive festival, with so much cultural and spiritual significance. Thanks for sharing, John!
John: You're welcome, Sarah! I'm glad I could share a little bit of my culture with you.
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