Diwali, or Dipawali, is to India as Christmas is to Christians. Deeply rooted in Hindu tradition, the festival began as a harvest festival to mark the last harvest of the year before winter. However, over the past couple hundred years, Diwali has grown into a national festival celebrated by most Indians regardless of faith. Today, as one of the most important holidays in India, revelers celebrate with family gatherings, fireworks, glittering clay lamps, gift giving, bonfires, and worship to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The Festival of Lights is also celebrated widely in the United States with a slew of live entertainment and cultural performances.