What is Diwali?
Quick answer
Diwali (or Deepavali) is the festival of lights, one of the most important festivals for Hindus, also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. In 2026, the main day of Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8.
Key facts
- Also called
- Deepavali, the festival of lights
- Diwali 2026
- Sunday, November 8
- Diwali 2027
- Friday, October 29
- Celebrated by
- Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, some Buddhists
The name comes from the Sanskrit deepavali, meaning “row of lights.” Homes, temples and streets glow with small oil lamps called diyas, candles and strings of lights, and the night sky fills with fireworks.
Why is Diwali celebrated?
The stories behind the festival vary by region and faith:
- In northern India, it marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana, as told in the Ramayana.
- In southern India, many celebrate Lord Krishna’s defeat of the demon Narakasura.
- Many Hindus honor Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, on the main night.
- Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, marking the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment.
- Jains mark the anniversary of Lord Mahavira attaining nirvana.
When is Diwali?
Diwali follows the Hindu lunisolar calendar, so its date changes each year, falling in October or November on the darkest night of the lunar month of Kartika. Exact dates can vary slightly by region and local calendar.
The five days of Diwali
| Day | Name | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dhanteras | Cleaning homes and buying gold, silver or new utensils |
| 2 | Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) | Early celebrations and lamps |
| 3 | Lakshmi Puja (main Diwali) | Prayers to Lakshmi, diyas, fireworks, family feasts |
| 4 | Govardhan Puja | Honoring Krishna; also a New Year in parts of India |
| 5 | Bhai Dooj | Celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters |
Traditions
- Lighting diyas and decorating with rangoli, colorful patterns made from powder, rice or flowers
- Sharing sweets (mithai) and gifts with family, friends and neighbors
- New clothes, family gatherings and visits to temples or gurdwaras
- Fireworks, though many cities now limit them because of air pollution
Diwali is a public holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, Fiji, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago, and cities from Leicester to New York hold large public celebrations. A common greeting is simply “Happy Diwali” or “Shubh Deepavali.”
Another autumn festival of light and lanterns has very different roots: here’s how many days are left until Halloween.
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