diawali

Diawali is a term that may be encountered as a transliteration of the Hindu festival commonly known as Diwali or Deepavali. The spelling “Diawali” is not standard and appears infrequently in formal sources; most calendars and literature use “Diwali” or “Deepavali.” Because of this, Diawali is generally treated as an alternative spelling rather than a separate festival.

Diwali is the festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. It marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, and in many traditions it also commemorates the return of the god Rama to Ayodhya. The festival usually spans five days around the new moon in the Hindu lunisolar month Kartik, occurring in October or November in the Gregorian calendar. The central day features Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and devotees light lamps, decorate homes with rangoli, and perform prayers.

Practices vary regionally: in northern and western India, households light lamps and burst fireworks on the main night; in Bengal, Diwali often coincides with Kali Puja, dedicated to the goddess Kali. In Jain communities, Diwali commemorates Lord Mahavira’s attainment of moksha. In Sikhism, Diwali is observed as Bandi Chhor Divas, celebrating the release of Guru Hargobind and companions from prison.

Common customs include cleaning and decorating homes, preparing and sharing sweets (mithai), purchasing new clothing, laying out rangoli designs, lighting diyas or lamps, and exchanging gifts with relatives and neighbors. Charitable acts and reflections on auspicious beginnings are frequently emphasized during the period.