Diwali/Deepavali – The Festival of Lights

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and is often referred to as the “Festival of Lights.” It is a joyous occasion symbolising the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali falls on the new moon day (Amavasya) in the Hindu month of Kartika (October-November) and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. The festival is marked by lighting oil lamps (diyas), bursting fireworks, decorating homes, exchanging gifts, and enjoying festive feasts with family and friends.

Diwali/Deepavali Dates for 2024, 2025, and 2026

Here are the dates for Diwali/Deepavali in the upcoming years:

The Significance of Diwali/Deepavali

Diwali is a festival deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and culture. It celebrates the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and after defeating the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed them by lighting rows of oil lamps, symbolising the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.

Diwali also has significance in other religious traditions in India:

• In Jainism, it marks the day Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, attained nirvana.
• In Sikhism, it commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji and 52 other princes from imprisonment in 1619.
• In Buddhism, especially among the Newar Buddhists, it is celebrated as the day Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism.

Diwali’s central message is the triumph of righteousness, the removal of ignorance, and the fostering of joy and prosperity.

How Diwali/Deepavali is Celebrated

Diwali is a five-day festival, with each day having its own unique significance and traditions. The main celebrations occur on the third day, which is Diwali itself, but the days leading up to and following the festival are filled with various rituals and customs.

• Day 1: Dhanteras (Celebration of Prosperity): The first day of Diwali is dedicated to wealth and prosperity. People clean and decorate their homes, buy new items like gold, silver, and utensils, and perform pujas to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
• Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): On this day, people rise early, apply fragrant oils, and bathe to symbolise the purification of the soul. In some regions, it is also a day to burst fireworks.
• Day 3: Diwali/Deepavali (Main Day of Celebration): The third day is the most important day of Diwali. People decorate their homes with rangoli (colourful designs on the floor) and light oil lamps (diyas) to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. The evening is filled with Lakshmi Puja, where families worship the goddess of wealth and prosperity, followed by feasts, the exchange of sweets, and fireworks displays.
• Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Padwa): This day commemorates the lifting of Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna to protect the people of Gokul from torrential rains. In some parts of India, it is also celebrated as Annakut, where various dishes are prepared and offered to the deities.
• Day 5: Bhai Dooj (Celebrating Sibling Bonds): The final day of Diwali is dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being, and in return, brothers offer gifts and blessings.

Diwali/Deepavali in Different Parts of India

Diwali is celebrated with different regional customs and variations across India, reflecting the diversity of the country.

• North India: Diwali in northern India is primarily associated with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. The celebration is marked by lighting diyas, bursting fireworks, and performing Lakshmi Puja. Cities and towns are beautifully lit up, and homes are decorated with rangolis and flowers.
• West Bengal and Odisha: In West Bengal and Odisha, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, where devotees worship Goddess Kali, the goddess of power and destruction. The rituals involve lighting lamps, offering sacrifices, and bursting fireworks.
• South India: In Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Diwali is celebrated in honour of Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. The festivities begin with an oil bath, followed by the lighting of lamps and bursting of crackers.
• Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, Diwali is a grand celebration that begins with Vasu Baras (a day dedicated to cows) and continues through Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, and the main day of Diwali. People decorate their homes, burst firecrackers, and perform Lakshmi Puja.
• Gujarat: Diwali marks the beginning of the new year for Gujaratis. The festival is celebrated with vibrant rangoli, sweets, and the worship of Lakshmi and Ganesha. The festivities also include the lighting of lamps and fireworks.

Diwali/Deepavali – A Festival of Light, Prosperity, and Unity

Diwali is not just a festival; it is a celebration of life and togetherness. It symbolises the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. The festival brings families and communities together to celebrate with joy, generosity, and gratitude. It is a time for renewal and new beginnings, where people clean their homes, settle debts, and start fresh.

The lights of Diwali represent the hope that no matter how dark life may seem, there is always the possibility of light and redemption. It is a festival that transcends religious and regional boundaries, uniting people across India and the world in the celebration of peace, prosperity, and goodwill.

Popular FAQs about Diwali/Deepavali

1. Is Diwali a public holiday in India? Yes, Diwali is a gazetted public holiday in India, observed in most states across the country. Schools, government offices, and businesses are usually closed on the main day of Diwali.
2. What is the significance of lighting diyas during Diwali? Lighting diyas (oil lamps) during Diwali symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and happiness into the home.
3. How do people celebrate Diwali in India? Diwali is celebrated by cleaning and decorating homes, lighting diyas, bursting fireworks, performing Lakshmi Puja, exchanging gifts and sweets, and enjoying festive meals with family and friends.
4. What are the different days of the Diwali festival? Diwali is a five-day festival that includes Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali/Deepavali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Each day has its own rituals and significance, ranging from the worship of wealth to the celebration of sibling bonds.