Diwali Festival

Major Hindu Festival (also celebrated by Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists)

National Public Holiday (main day)

5 days

Symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. It is a time for new beginnings, prosperity, and family bonding.

Key Rituals & Practices

Extensive cleaning and decoration of homes and workplaces

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

Creating Rangoli designs at entrances

Performing Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja on the main Diwali day for wealth and well-being

Exchanging sweets, savories, and gifts with family, friends, and neighbors

Wearing new clothes and jewelry

Family gatherings and feasts

Bursting firecrackers (though this practice is increasingly discouraged due to environmental concerns)

Offering prayers for prosperity, health, and happiness

Shopping for new items, especially gold, silver, and utensils (Dhanteras)

Associated Deities

Goddess Lakshmi (primary deity for prosperity)

Lord Ganesha (remover of obstacles, worshipped with Lakshmi)

Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman (for their return to Ayodhya)

Lord Krishna (victory over Narakasura)

Goddess Kali (especially in Eastern India)

Lord Vishnu (in various forms)

Yama (for Dhanteras and Yama Deepam)

Hindu Calendar Details

Hindu Month

Kartik (Kartika)

Paksha

Krishna Paksha (Dark Fortnight)

Tithi

Amavasya (New Moon Day) for the main Lakshmi Puja day. The festival spans from Krishna Paksha Trayodashi to Shukla Paksha Dwitiya.

Regional Relevance & Variations

North India

West India (especially Gujarat)

East India (especially Bengal, Odisha, Assam)

South India

Jainism

Sikhism

Historical & Mythological Context

Diwali has multiple significant mythological and historical origins: - **Lord Rama's Return:** The most popular legend in North India, it marks Lord Rama's triumphant return to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana after 14 years of exile and defeating Ravana. The citizens lit lamps to welcome them. - **Lakshmi's Birth/Marriage:** Some traditions associate Diwali with the birth of Goddess Lakshmi from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean) or her marriage to Lord Vishnu. - **Lord Krishna's Victory over Narakasura:** In South India, Diwali marks Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura, freeing 16,000 captive princesses. - **Vamana Avatar and Bali:** On the fourth day (Balipratipada/Padwa), it commemorates Lord Vishnu's triumph over the demon King Bali in his Vamana avatar. - **Kali Puja:** In Eastern India, it is primarily dedicated to Goddess Kali, symbolizing her victory over evil forces. - **Mahavir Nirvana:** For Jains, it marks the day Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana. - **Bandi Chhor Divas:** For Sikhs, it commemorates Guru Hargobind Ji's release from prison.

Alternative Names

Deepavali

Festival of Lights

Deepawali

Gregorian Date

Varies annually, typically in October or November