Indian American families across the United States are celebrating Diwali on Sunday, lighting rows of clay lamps, trading sweets and gathering for prayers and festivals that have grown along with one of the country's fastest-growing communities.

The Festival of Lights is the biggest holiday of the year for Hindus and is also marked by Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists. Its name comes from Deepavali, meaning a row of lights. Its central message is the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Celebrations stretched through the weekend. In Newark, California, hundreds filled a free all-day festival on Saturday with live music, traditional clothing and food. San Francisco's Diwali Festival takes over Yerba Buena Gardens on Sunday afternoon with music and dancing.

A first Diwali for some

For one Bay Area father, this year is special because his 6-month-old daughter is celebrating her first Diwali. He said the holiday helps the family stay close to its roots while giving the children a richer upbringing in two cultures.

Vendors at the festival said styles are changing too, with younger shoppers pairing traditional saris with modern blouses. One called it simply fusion.

A growing place in public life

The Indian American population in the Bay Area has more than doubled since 2010. This week San Francisco City Hall hosted its first Diwali celebration. Mayor Daniel Lurie said it was an honor to take part.

Elected leaders in at least six states joined Diwali events this season. California last year became the third state to make Diwali an official state holiday. New York City public schools also mark the festival as a holiday.

Traditions vary by region. Many families draw colorful rangoli patterns at their doors, wear new clothes and pray to the goddess Lakshmi for prosperity in the year ahead. Sikhs mark Bandi Chhor Divas on the same day, remembering the release of Guru Hargobind from prison.