MORRISVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Diwali preparations are underway inside the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir temple. More than 5,000 people came out last year and organizers expect even more this year as the community has grown.
"The slogan is where there's unity, there's light," said Viren Patel.
Patel walked ABC11 News around the temple and shared that as the new year starts, many are seeking blessings over their finances.
"They want to go in with a lot of blessings and start fresh. You know? Get a clean slate so they come worship," he said. "We expect the community to come tonight. They will pray for a new beginning for the year for them."
A kids Diwali event was held at the temple yesterday. The purpose is to teach them the significance of the holiday and also connect them back to their culture.
"I would love for kids to understand the value of the community that they have gained where we can come together and share moments of laughter, joy and even be there for each other in times of need," said Foram Patel.
On Tuesday, thousands will pass through the walls of the temple marking the celebration of the new year. There will be long lines as the community prays before the temples, offering food as a means of showing devotion.
Prachi Patel said Diwali is a bright festival and vibrant colors are often worn. She showed off her regalia.
"This is a traditional three-piece set. It comes with a full shirt and cute little scarf that you wrap around yourself," she said.
Patel said there is a lot of excitement around the holiday that brings the community together
"It's not just specifically for our community. This is a place where everyone can come and learn," she said.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple is located at 1020 Aviation Pkwy in Morrisville.
The dates of the festival are based on the Hindu lunar calendar and fall between the Hindu months of Asvina and Kartika. Diwali typically begins between mid-October and mid-November on the Gregorian calendar.
What is Diwali?
Derived from the Sanskrit word dipavali, Diwali means "row of lights" or "row of clay lamps."
The five-day festival celebrates "the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil" and honors Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and good fortune, according to National Geographic.
Devotees around the world will bring festivities into their homes by lighting earthen lamps called diyas, setting off fireworks, displaying colored electric lights and exchanging gifts. Homes are decorated with lamps and rangolis, "designs made on the floor out of colored sand, powder, rice or flower petals," according to NatGeo.
Although the foods associated with Diwali vary from culture to culture, one central theme is snacks and sweets, according to the Associated Press. Many Diwali desserts are milk-based and include crushed nuts, which traditionally were a way to both demonstrate wealth and offer respect.