Diwali

Major Hindu Festival, Cultural Celebration

National Public Holiday (especially the main Lakshmi Puja day)

5 days

Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. It is a time for spiritual renewal, family bonding, and celebrating prosperity and new beginnings.

Key Rituals & Practices

Day 1: Dhanteras (Dhanatrayodashi)**: Cleaning homes, buying new utensils or gold/silver, worshipping Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)**: Taking an early morning oil bath, lighting lamps, worshipping Lord Krishna or Kali.

Day 3: Diwali/Lakshmi Puja (Amavasya)**: The main day. Performing elaborate Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja, lighting diyas and electric lights, decorating homes with rangoli, exchanging sweets and gifts, bursting firecrackers (though increasingly discouraged).

Day 4: Govardhan Puja / Annakoot / Bali Pratipada**: Worshipping Lord Krishna (Govardhan), preparing elaborate food offerings, celebrating the victory of Vishnu over Bali.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj / Bhau Beej / Bhai Phota**: Sisters apply tilak on brothers' foreheads and pray for their longevity and well-being, brothers give gifts.

General practices throughout the festival: Lighting oil lamps (diyas) and candles, decorating homes, exchanging greetings, feasting, and wearing new clothes.

Associated Deities

Goddess Lakshmi

Lord Ganesha

Lord Rama

Sita

Lakshmana

Hanuman

Lord Krishna (as slayer of Narakasura)

Goddess Kali (especially in Eastern India)

Lord Kubera

Hindu Calendar Details

Hindu Month

Kartik

Paksha

Krishna Paksha

Tithi

Amavasya (New Moon day)

Regional Relevance & Variations

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Historical & Mythological Context

**Lord Rama's Return**: The most popular story in North India, celebrating Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and completing his 14-year exile. People lit lamps to guide his path.**Slaying of Narakasura**: Lord Krishna, along with his consort Satyabhama, defeated the demon Narakasura, freeing 16,000 captive princesses. Celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi.**Goddess Lakshmi's Birth**: It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, was born from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean) on the day of Diwali.**Coronation of King Vikramaditya**: Some traditions associate Diwali with the coronation of the legendary King Vikramaditya.**Bali Pratipada**: Lord Vishnu's Vamana avatar defeated King Bali, pushing him to Patala (the underworld) and establishing the victory of dharma.

Alternative Names

Deepavali

Dipavali

Festival of Lights

Lakshmi Puja

Gregorian Date

Varies annually, typically late October or early November