Diwali

What it is

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a festival of lights. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The celebrations last for five or six days. They occur during the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvin and Kartika. This period usually falls between mid-October and mid-November. The festival is primarily Hindu but is also observed by Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. Each community connects the holiday to different historical events and deities.

Origins and history

The festival likely originated from ancient harvest celebrations in the Indian subcontinent. Early Sanskrit texts like the Padma Purana mention the event. Emperor Harsha referred to it in his seventh-century play Nagananda. Travelers such as Al Biruni and Niccolò de' Conti described the illuminations and feasts. Inscriptions from the tenth and thirteenth centuries also document the festivities. Mughal emperors like Akbar participated in the celebrations, while others banned them.

How it is kept

Celebrants light diyas, candles, and lanterns in their homes and temples. Families perform rituals and offer prayers to various deities. Many take ritual oil baths at dawn each day. Homes are cleaned and decorated with rangoli designs made from colored powder. Fireworks are common. Communities organize fairs, parades, and performances. People exchange greeting cards and sweets with relatives and friends. Some also remember their ancestors during this time.

Religious significance

Different groups observe Diwali for distinct reasons. Hindus often recall Rama's return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Others worship Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, or Kali, the goddess of power. Jains mark the final liberation of Mahavira. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, honoring Guru Hargobind's release from prison. Newar Buddhists worship Lakshmi alongside other deities. All traditions emphasize righteousness and the importance of knowledge.

Food and drink

Food plays a central role in the festival. Families prepare elaborate feasts to share with one another. Sweets, known as mithai, are exchanged as gifts. These confections are often included in greeting cards sent to distant relatives. The sharing of food strengthens bonds between family members and community associations. Urban areas often host large gatherings where people enjoy these festive meals together.

How Diwali is kept

People light oil lamps and decorate their homes with rangoli patterns. They attend temple services and pray to deities like Lakshmi and Ganesha. Fireworks light up the night sky. Families gather for feasts and exchange sweets. Communities hold fairs and cultural performances. The festival serves as a time for homecoming and strengthening social ties.

When and where

It occurs annually between mid-October and mid-November. The date follows the Hindu lunisolar calendar. It aligns with the new moon day in the month of Kartika. The main celebration happens on the darkest night of the lunar cycle.

It is most prominent in India and Nepal. It is also widely celebrated in Fiji, Guyana, Mauritius, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, and the United States. It is an official holiday in many of these nations.

What Diwali means

The festival represents the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. It reminds followers to uphold dharma, or righteousness, in daily life. The illumination of homes signifies the dispelling of inner darkness. Sharing food and gifts fosters community harmony and familial bonds.

On the table

• mithai
• Indian confectionery

Days Diwali is marked

Diwali dates: 2026, 2027, 2028

Questions people ask about Diwali

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• Diwali 2020 Date in India: When is Diwali in 2020?The Indian Express, Article
• The Ancient Origins of DiwaliHistory.com, Article
• Diwali 2020 Date in India: When is Diwali in 2020?The Indian Express, Article
• The Ancient Origins of DiwaliHistory.com, Article

• Diwali on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.