Diwali, Festival of Lights!

This week, area Indians are celebrating Navarati, which means nine nights. In October, they celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights.

Navarati, a religious holiday, is celebrated with an all-night dance called "garba." Traditionally, in Indian villages, women in long skirts danced the garba, circling around oil lamps as a drum marked the rhythm. Today, men and women participate in garba, and at Central Florida events, the ages range from toddlers to seniors.

In October, Indians celebrate Diwali, also spelled Deepavali. In northern India, Diwali marks the Indian New Year. The festival represents good over evil, light over darkness. The holiday starts this year on Oct. 21 and typically lasts five days.

At home, an Indian family will celebrate this occasion with quiet prayer among family members. The outside of the house will be decorated with lights. In the temple, offerings to God will be made for wealth and prosperity.

Local celebrations include:

Gujarati Society of Central Florida hosts garba dances from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sep 30. and Oct. 6 and 7 at Dr. Phillips High School, 6500 Turkey Lake Road. Musicians from the United Kingdom will perform today. Dance contests will be held Oct. 7. Cost is $10, and $5 for students. Details: www.gujaratisocietycfl.com.

Hindu Temple of Greater Orlando hosts Navarati celebrations at the temple grounds, 1994 Lake Drive, Casselberry, nightly until Monday. The dances start at 8 p.m. and end at midnight. The event begins with a prayer service.

On Oct. 21, the Hindu Society of Central Florida will celebrate Diwali at the Casselberry temple with a prayer service starting in the evening at sundown and ending with fireworks. Details: 407-699-5277.

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 1325 W. Oak Ridge Road, celebrates Diwali on Oct. 21 and 22. On Oct. 21 at 7 p.m., prayers for prosperity and success for the upcoming year will be offered, said Kamal Ruparelia, a temple organizer. On Oct. 22, New Year's Day celebrations begin at 7 a.m. with a prayer service and meet and greet. Meals and services will be offered throughout the day. More than 1,000 vegetarian dishes will be offered to God, said Ruparelia. Details: 407-857-0091.

Horizon of Indian Culture will present Diwali Mela 2006 on Oct. 7 at the Citrus Bowl. The event runs from 3 to 10 p.m. A motorcade and parade featuring 25 floats will start from the Shri Laxminarayan Mandir, 269 N. Klondike Ave., at 3 p.m. Fifty vendors will display wares including religious books, jewelry and Indian clothes, said Harry Singh, organizer. A continuous dance program will run on the stage from 4 to 10 p.m. -- both Bollywood and classical. The event also features a Miss Diwali Pageant. Details: 407-814-7501.

Association of Asian Cultural Festivals will host the Ninth Annual Diwali Mela 2006 on Oct. 7 at the Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola. The event attracts thousands. Musical lineup includes The Angels and Dhanraj Balgobin. The fair features numerous booths. Area dance groups will perform and a Miss Diwali USA will be crowned. The event runs from 3 to 10 p.m. Details: 407-293-9991 For Orlando Hotels or Orlando Restaurants Click Here.