In India, on the night of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is said to travel the earth, visiting homes lit with lamps. In Hindu mythology, owls are considered the vahana (or vehicle) of Lakshmi. Some people believe that killing an owl—although it’s illegal to do so—will trap Lakshmi in their house, bringing them good luck and wealth all year round. As a consequence, the Festival of Lights brings death to thousands of owls.
