The basic principle,” says Pandit Kirit Shahari, “is the same everywhere: Coming together to wish the best for your fellow human being. What some call Diwali, we call Dipalika.”

The Jain priest is referring to the festivities of the Jain community on the same day Hindus celebrate Deepavali. While in Hinduism it marks the return of Ram, Lakshman and Sita to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, the Jain community celebrates Dipalika to mark the attainment of moksha—freedom from the cycle of rebirth—by 24th tirthankara Vardhaman Mahavir. Both the Hindu lunar calendar and the Jain panchang, mark Diwali and Dipalika on the same day. This year, it’s November 12.