For Baltimore-area Hindus, the Diwali holiday is about spreading joy

As a boy in India, Neeraj Verma experienced Diwali the way Indian children have for centuries: as that magical day on which lamps are lit, friends and family visit bearing gifts, and everyone is encouraged to stuff themselves with sweets. The Clarksville resident still loves the enchantment of the biggest holiday on the Hindu calendar, which millions will celebrate around the world Monday. But he’s equally drawn to the religious elements of this festival of lights, and he’s looking forward to sharing both with hundreds of his fellow Hindus on Tuesday night.