When people think of Japanese food, sushi and ramen often come to mind. But for Tokyo native Yuta Katsuyama, who moved to Chicago for graduate school, one familiar favorite was noticeably missing: onigiri, Japan's beloved rice balls.

Chicago is getting ready to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with cultural performances, community gatherings, traditional festivities, and delicious Indian food across the city and surrounding suburbs. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in South Asia. Symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance, the festival brings families and communities together through traditions such as lighting diyas (oil lamps), creating colorful rangoli designs, exchanging sweets, and sharing festive meals.