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Diwali is the biggest and most important Indian holiday, celebrated by a variety of religions and in numerous regions in and outside of India. Known as the festival of light, Diwali means different things to different communities but one common theme for all is the triumph of light over darkness. Diwali gets its name from the row of clay lamps (known as deepa or diya) that people will light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness. While the exact date of Diwali can vary from year to year depending on the position of the moon, in 2024 Diwali will take place on October 31^st with celebrations commencing on the 29^th and running until November 3^rd.

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Diwali in Hinduism

Diwali marks the start of the Hindu New Year. The most widespread custom is the lighting of diyas (small lamps filled with oil) on the night of the new moon to invite the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. However, the many regions of India celebrate Diwali with a wide array of different rituals.

Southern Indian communities typically celebrate Diwali as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, Western India celebrates Diwali as the day Lord Vishni, the Preserver (one of the main gods in Hinduism), sent the demon King Bali to rule the netherworld, and Northern India celebrates Diwali as the story of King Rama’s return with his family to the city of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana by lighting rows of clay lamps. Diwali is also a commemoration of the marriage of Lakshmi and Vishni, while others observe Diwali as the birthday of Lakshmi.

Diwali in Jainism

In the Jain community, Diwali commemorates the enlightenment and liberation of Mahavira, the most recent of the Jain Tirthankaras (the title given to sacred teachers of the religion), from the cycle of life and death. The lighting of lamps celebrates the light of Mahavira’s holy knowledge.

Diwali in Sikhism

Diwali in Sikhism celebrates holy figure and military leader Guru Hargobind’s return to Amritsar from captivity in the northern fortress of Gwalior. Residents of Amritsar light lamps to celebrate the occasion.

Diwali in Buddhism

While Diwali is not considered a primary festival within Buddhism, Diwali is celebrated by some Buddhists to commemorate the day when Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism. Emperor Ashoka, the third king of the Mauryan empire, is credited with facilitating the spread of Buddhism throughout the region. Diwali in Buddhist communities is most observed by the Vajrayana Buddhist minority among the Newar people of Nepal who celebrate by lighting lamps, decorating templates and monasteries, and worshipping the Buddha.

The five days of Diwali

Diwali is celebrated over a five-day period in which those participating will clean, shop, give gifts, and visit family.

Day one (Dhanteras): On this day, people will clean their homes and shop for small gold items.

Day two (Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti): It is customary to decorate homes with clay lamps and rangoli (a design pattern often made on the floor using colored powders or sand).

Day three (Lakshmi Puja): The third day of the festival is considered the main day of Diwali, when families gather for Lakshmi Puja, a prayer to the goddess Lakshmi for prosperity. There are also feasts and fireworks.

Day four (Govardhan Puja/Balipratipada/Annakut): The fourth day is the first day of the new year. Friends and family will visit and exchange gifts and well-wishes.

Day five (Bhai Dooj/Bhai Tika/Bhai Bij): The fifth day celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Brothers will visit their married sisters and sisters will pray for the success and well-being of their brothers.