Deepavali

Major Hindu Festival (Utsav)

National Public Holiday (main day), observed over multiple days.

Five days (starting with Dhanteras and concluding with Bhai Dooj)

Celebrates the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity, and the joyous return of light and abundance.

Key Rituals & Practices

Extensive cleaning and decoration of homes and workplaces.

Lighting of diyas (oil lamps), candles, and electric lights.

Performing Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja for wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.

Setting off fireworks and crackers.

Exchanging sweets, gifts, and greetings with family and friends.

Wearing new clothes and jewelry.

Drawing Rangoli (colorful patterns) at entrances.

Feasting and preparing special dishes.

Visiting temples and participating in community celebrations.

Dhanteras: Worship of wealth (Kubera, Lakshmi) and buying new utensils/gold.

Naraka Chaturdashi: Taking ritual oil baths, celebrating Krishna's victory over Narakasura.

Govardhan Puja/Bali Pratipada: Worshipping Govardhan mountain (Krishna) or King Bali.

Bhai Dooj/Yama Dwitiya: Sisters praying for their brothers' longevity and well-being.

Associated Deities

Goddess Lakshmi (for wealth and prosperity)

Lord Ganesha (remover of obstacles, wisdom)

Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana (return to Ayodhya)

Lord Krishna (killing Narakasura)

Goddess Kali (especially in Eastern India)

Lord Kubera (god of wealth)

Hindu Calendar Details

Hindu Month

Kartik (Kartika)

Paksha

Krishna Paksha (Dark Fortnight)

Tithi

Amavasya (New Moon Day) for the main Lakshmi Puja; the 5-day festival spans different Tithis.

Regional Relevance & Variations

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Historical & Mythological Context

Deepavali encompasses several mythological and historical narratives: - **Lord Rama's Return:** The most widely celebrated reason in North India, marking Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana after 14 years of exile and defeating Ravana. People lit lamps to welcome them. - **Lord Krishna and Narakasura:** In South India, it commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura, liberating thousands of imprisoned princesses. - **Goddess Lakshmi's Birth/Marriage:** It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi was born from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean) on this day, or that she married Lord Vishnu. - **King Bali's Defeat:** In some traditions, it celebrates Lord Vishnu (as Vamana) sending the benevolent demon king Bali to the netherworld, after granting him a boon. - **Jainism:** Celebrated as the day Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana. - **Sikhism:** Celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas, marking the day Guru Hargobind was released from Gwalior Fort along with 52 Hindu kings.

Alternative Names

Diwali

Divali

Festival of Lights

Dipawali

Lakshmi Puja

Gregorian Date

Varies annually, typically late October or early November