A celebration of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil — observed by over one billion people across the world.
Scroll to explore
Overview
What is Diwali?
Diwali (also written Deepawali, meaning "row of lights" in Sanskrit) is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and some communities of Buddhism. It falls each year in October or November, on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik.
The festival lasts five days and is most associated with the lighting of small clay oil lamps called diyas, which are placed in homes, temples, and streets. Fireworks, feasts, gifts, and prayers are central to the celebration.
5
Days of celebration
1B+
People who celebrate worldwide
2,500+
Years of history
Oct/Nov
Season (Hindu month of Kartik)
✦
Origins & Meaning
Why is Diwali celebrated?
Different religious traditions celebrate Diwali for different reasons, all sharing the theme of light conquering darkness.
Hinduism: Celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his defeat of the demon king Ravana. Villagers lit oil lamps to welcome him home.
Hinduism (Lakshmi): Also marks the birthday of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. People pray for her blessings on the main night.
Jainism: Commemorates the spiritual liberation (moksha) of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, in 527 BCE.
Sikhism: Celebrates Bandi Chhor Divas — the release of Guru Hargobind Singh Ji from Mughal imprisonment in 1619.
Bengal & Odisha: Some Hindu communities worship Kali, the goddess of power, rather than Lakshmi during this time.
✦
The Five Days
How is each day celebrated?
1
Dhanteras
Homes are cleaned. People buy gold, silver, or new utensils for good luck and prosperity.
2
Naraka Chaturdashi
Also called Choti Diwali. Early-morning baths, lighting of lamps, and the defeat of the demon Narakasura is remembered.
3
Diwali (Main Day)
The most important night. Diyas and candles are lit everywhere. Lakshmi puja is performed. Fireworks light up the sky.
4
Govardhan Puja
Celebrates Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan to shelter his village from rain. Food offerings are made.
5
Bhai Dooj
Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers' wellbeing.
✦
Traditions & Customs
How do people celebrate?
Lighting rows of clay diyas (oil lamps) around the home and on windowsills
Creating colourful rangoli patterns on the floor using powder, petals, or coloured rice
Setting off fireworks and sparklers after dark
Exchanging gifts of sweets, dried fruits, and chocolates
Wearing new clothes, especially vibrant colours like red, orange, and gold
Praying at the temple and at home shrines, particularly to Lakshmi and Ganesha
Cleaning and decorating homes with flowers and fairy lights
Sharing meals with extended family and neighbours
"Light the lamp of wisdom in your heart and let it spread love and joy to every corner of the world."
— Traditional Diwali blessing
✦
Food & Sweets
What food is eaten at Diwali?
Sweets (mithai) are central to Diwali. Families make or buy large boxes to share with friends and neighbours. Savoury snacks are also popular during the festivities.
Diwali is celebrated by Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities across the globe. It is a public holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Singapore, Fiji, and Malaysia.
United Kingdom: Leicester hosts one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India, lighting up the Golden Mile with thousands of lamps.
USA: Diwali is celebrated at the White House and in cities like New York, Houston, and Chicago. It became a New York City school holiday in 2023.
South Africa: Large Tamil and Gujarati communities celebrate with community events and fireworks.
Australia: Major festivals are held in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane with food, music, and dance.
Fiji & the Caribbean: Descended from indentured labourers, communities maintain rich Diwali traditions including elaborate rangoli competitions.