"You're not Hindu or Sikh, so why would you celebrate Diwali?"
An Indian woman in one of my university classes once asked me this.
Ironic that it was an anthropology and religion class — covering the way religions have adapted and changed over time.
This month, millions of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Newar Buddhists across the globe will celebrate Diwali — the Festival of Lights.
But thinking back to that interaction at my university, I found myself wondering: what about those who aren't religious?
What is Diwali?
Diwali, also known as Divali, gets its name from the Sanskrit word Deepavali which means "row of lights".
It's a five-day festival featuring different ceremonies each day, with the third day being the main event.
The overarching theme is one of warding off evil spirits and overcoming darkness.
It's also a time for giving thanks and offering prayers for good health and prosperity.
This year, Diwali will take place on Sunday, November 12.
How is Diwali celebrated?
Celebrations differ around the world.
Throughout the Indian subcontinent they are dependent on the traditions of each region.
Some families visit places of worship and pray for good fortune and wealth.
Traditionally, the inside of homes are illuminated with radiant clay oil lamps called diyas to counter the darkness with hope, knowledge, and truth.
Diyas can also be found nestled within an elaborate design of rangoli — designs made from colourful powders, flowers, rice and sand — created on the floor or on a board that can be carried to the place it's going to be displayed.
Rangoli are placed at the entrance of a home as a welcome symbol, to bring good luck and prosperity.
Different communities have their own ways of creating rangoli, with varying shapes, designs and colours.
Cleaning homes, and buying new clothes and ornaments are also customary, while people also buy gold and silver which is associated with luck.
Diwali evolved to become 'religious and cultural'
Diwali "has a religious angle", says Jayant Bapat, a Hindu priest and researcher in Indian religions and mythology at Monash University.
"It is about light prevailing over darkness and is linked to stories from the Hindu epics," Dr Bapat tells the ABC.
But Dr Bapat says Diwali festivities are "open to everybody".
"It is both religious and cultural, as are most Hindu religious festivals," he says.
"Even yoga and Ayurveda [traditional medicine] have their roots in religion. So it is difficult to distinguish between the two."
Dr Bapat says the acts of eating, exchanging sweets and lighting firecrackers and sparklers have helped Diwali also evolve into a cultural event.
"All of this has made it more inviting for non-Hindus to take part in the festivities."
'We do a non-religious version'
Richa Joshi was born in India. She became an Australian citizen and now lives in Perth.
"We are not religious but we love celebrating Diwali," Ms Joshi says.
"Essentially, we do a non-religious version of the event, still celebrating the victory of good over evil.
"We light up our homes, share sweets, invite our friends over or we go to their homes."
It's the same experience for Ria Kor, a Punjabi living in Melbourne.
"We celebrate Diwali for cultural purposes, not religious ones," Ms Kor says.
"Diyas, sweets and getting dressed up are what it's all about for us."
'Does everyone who celebrates Christmas go to church?'
Arnab Maity, an Australian citizen who has lived in Sydney for more than a decade, was born in India and celebrates a non-religious Diwali with his family every year.
"Religion is to each their own, but festivals are for everyone," Mr Maity told ABC News.
"Diwali has evolved globally as a secular Indian festival, where everyone takes part irrespective of their religious beliefs."
Mr Maity says while traditional Hindu Diwali celebrations include a Puja or an offering, most people in Sydney celebrate it by "upholding its essence".
"That is the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.
"Non-Hindus and non-Indians celebrate Diwali as part of a social engagement and cultural connection."
Mr Maity encourages people to look at other major celebrations like Christmas and Eid in the same light.
"Does everyone who celebrates Christmas go to church?" he says.
"Does everyone who attends Eid celebrations go to Masjids and offer Namaz?"
Celebrate to 'stay connected to my roots'
Manali Parmar grew up in a Hindu household, following her parents' and grandparents' beliefs.
The 23-year-old physiotherapist from Brisbane has been celebrating Diwali since she was a child.
"I wouldn't say I'm super religious," Ms Parmar tells the ABC.
"But watching my mum do all the prayers and preparations involved in Diwali makes me want to continue doing it to make her proud and stay connected to my roots."
"My favourite part of Diwali are the weeks leading up to it, including Navratri, where we do Garba dance in traditional Indian clothes. It's what I look forward to the most," she says.
"To me it's important to continue to celebrate it as I would want to pass it down to my kids and keep that culture as I get older."