What Is Diwali?

Diwali — also spelled Deepavali, from the Sanskrit dīpāvali meaning "row of lights" — is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the world. Observed primarily by Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and some Buddhist communities across India and the global diaspora, Diwali marks the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. It typically falls in October or November, determined by the Hindu lunar calendar on the 15th day of the month of Kartik.

The Many Stories Behind Diwali

One of Diwali's remarkable qualities is that it carries different meanings and associated stories across traditions:

  • In North India: Diwali primarily celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana, as told in the Ramayana. The citizens of Ayodhya lit rows of oil lamps (diyas) to welcome him home — an image that defines the festival.
  • In South India: Many communities celebrate Lord Krishna's defeat of the demon Narakasura, a story emphasizing the liberation of those held in darkness.
  • In the Jain tradition: Diwali marks the moment when Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, attained moksha (liberation) in 527 BC. Jain celebrations emphasize lamp-lighting as a symbol of the light of Mahavira's wisdom.
  • In the Sikh tradition: The festival coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, celebrating the release of Guru Hargobind Ji and 52 other prisoners from Mughal imprisonment in 1619. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is illuminated spectacularly on this night.

The Five Days of Diwali

Diwali is not a single day but a five-day festival, each with its own rituals and significance:

  1. Dhanteras (Day 1): Dedicated to wealth and prosperity. Families traditionally purchase gold, silver, or new utensils. Yama, the god of death, is also propitiated on this day.
  2. Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi (Day 2): A day of ritual bathing and preparation; in some traditions, the celebration of Krishna's victory over Narakasura.
  3. Diwali (Day 3 — the main night): The central night of celebration. Families illuminate their homes with diyas and candles, burst fireworks, perform Lakshmi Puja (worship of the goddess of wealth and prosperity), exchange sweets, and gather together.
  4. Govardhan Puja / Padwa (Day 4): Celebrates Krishna's lifting of Mount Govardhan to shelter villagers from Indra's storms. Also marks the new year in some Hindu calendars.
  5. Bhai Dooj (Day 5): Celebrates the bond between siblings; sisters apply tilak to their brothers' foreheads and pray for their wellbeing.

Traditions and Celebrations

Diyas and Lighting

The oil lamp or diya is Diwali's central symbol. Made from clay and filled with mustard or ghee, diyas are placed in doorways, windowsills, and along pathways to invite Lakshmi into the home. In recent years, electric lights and LED strings have supplemented traditional diyas, though many families maintain the ritual of handmade clay lamps for their spiritual significance.

Rangoli

Intricate floor patterns called rangoli are created at entrances using colored powders, rice flour, flower petals, or sand. These designs — often featuring lotus flowers, peacocks, and geometric patterns — are believed to welcome the gods and bring good fortune.

Sweets and Food

Diwali is inseparable from its foods. Families prepare and exchange boxes of sweets (mithai) including ladoo, barfi, halwa, and chakli. Savory snacks like mathri and namakpara are made in large batches to share with neighbors and guests.

Diwali Around the World

With a large Indian diaspora, Diwali is celebrated across the globe — from Trafalgar Square in London to Times Square in New York. Countries including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago, and Singapore observe Diwali as a public holiday. The festival's universal message of light, generosity, and renewal has made it one of the most recognized cultural celebrations on the global calendar.

A Note on Firecrackers

While fireworks remain a traditional part of Diwali celebrations in many regions, growing awareness of air and noise pollution has led communities — and several Indian courts — to encourage eco-friendly alternatives. Many families now celebrate with diyas, candles, and community gatherings rather than firecrackers, honouring the festival's essence of inner light over external spectacle.