LYNNFIELD — As the world gets ready to celebrate Diwali this weekend, festivities in Lynnfield kicked off early as the town gathered to celebrate the Festival of Lights at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

According to Sanjay Aurora, who helped manage the event, about 150 people from the area were in attendance. It featured a communal atmosphere with food and dancing accompanied by music and choreography inspired by Bollywood dance traditions. 

Select Board member Dick Dalton lit the ceremonial lamp to kick off the celebration last week, as students from the town’s high school and middle school managed the check-in booth.

“We have been doing this celebration in town for about 10 years,” Aurora said. “It’s been attended by town officials and they have been kind enough to proclaim it as Festival of Lights Day. This year we had about 150 people of different faiths and backgrounds gathered from the North Shore area, along with lots of Lynnfield residents. We had good food, company, and dancing to good music.”

Diwali is one of the biggest festivals in India, especially for Hindus. It’s observed by more than a billion people around the world and spans five days of celebrations. During this time, people participate in gatherings, fireworks, feasts, and prayer.

The term “Diwali” comes from “Deepavali,” which means “a row of lights.” Participants light clay lamps in and around their homes.

The festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. According to traditional Indian folklore, Diwali is the day when Lord Rama, a Hindu god, returned to his home in Ayodhya after defeating the evil king Ravana.

The symbolism of light prevailing over darkness is central to the celebrations, which reinforce positive values like knowledge and courage.

During the festival, families and communities come together, share meals, and engage in religious rituals.