Deepavali

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. The name derives from Sanskrit words meaning "a row of lights" (deepa = lamp, vali = row). The festival signifies the victory of light over darkness and of good over evil, often associated with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, the goddess Lakshmi, and the renewal of personal and communal hope.

Timing and duration vary by tradition, but Deepavali is typically observed on the new moon night (amavasya) in the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartika, which falls in October or November. In many regions the celebrations extend across five days: Dhanteras (the day of wealth), Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, the main Diwali night, Govardhan Puja or Padva, and Bhai Dooj. Regional practices differ in emphasis and sequence.

Customs commonly include lighting lamps and candles inside and outside homes, creating a glow that symbolizes divine presence. People place rangoli or kolam designs at entrances, perform Lakshmi Puja to honor the goddess of wealth and prosperity (often with Ganesha), exchange sweets and gifts, wear new clothes, and share festive meals. Fireworks are traditional in many places, though there are increasingly stricter rules because of safety and environmental concerns.

Regional and religious variations add depth to Deepavali. In northern India the festival is linked to Rama’s return from exile; in western India it marks the new financial year for some businesses. In Nepal, the festival is known as Tihar and spans several days with broader animal and social rituals. For Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists, the festival carries distinctive historical meanings and observances.

Globally, Deepavali is celebrated by diaspora communities and at temples, cultural events, and family gatherings in countries such as Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, and India.