Diwali is one of the most popular religious festivals in Hinduism. The festival of lights, as it is also known, occurs during the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika (basically mid-October to November on the Gregorian calendar) and is generally focused offering on puja to Lakshmi—goddess of wealth and prosperity and wife of Vishnu—but may also include the worship of Durga or Kali, depending on region and denomination. For this year's celebration, the India Association of New Mexico presents Diwali: The Festival of Lights, an evening of dance, music and performing arts amid lamp and candle lighting as adherents perform Lakshmi puja. This sacred event takes place at the National Hispanic Cultural Center's Journal Theater on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Tickets for this all-ages celebration are available for $10 via the India Association of New Mexico or by calling 306-9624.