Diwali (also referred to as Deepavali) is the five-day festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists across the world. Coinciding with the Hindu New Year, the religious occasion celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

Hindus pay tribute to Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Laxmans return to their kingdom after 14 years in exile as told in the Ramayana story. Meanwhile Sikhs actually celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, which means Prisoner Release Day. It marks the sixth guru, Guru Hargobinds Sahib release from Indias Gwalior Prison in 1619 along with 52 princes. Jains call the day Mahavira Nirvana Divas and celebrate spiritual leader Mahavira and his teachings.

This year Diwali falls on October 27, though some communities may celebrate a day earlier.

Heres what Diwali means to 10 South Asian Australians.

Theja Surapaneni, 26 - Dentist