The festival marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, said Narayan Subedi. It takes place under the Hindu lunar calendar and typically falls in October or November.The festival lasts about four days and is celebrated by the Hindu, Sikh and Jain religions. Jainism is an Indian religion that advocates nonviolence. Many Hindu honor Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Prayers to the goddess promote prosperity, said worshipers.