Festival · October–November

Diwali

Also known as Deepavali

The festival of lights, celebrating the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

Diwali is the most widely celebrated Hindu festival, marked by rows of oil lamps (diya), fireworks, and the worship of Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity. For many it commemorates the return of Bhagavan Sri Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile, welcomed home by the people lighting his path. Homes are cleaned and decorated with rangoli, sweets are shared, and families gather to invite auspiciousness for the year ahead.

Why it is kept

Diwali falls on the Amavasya of Kartika, the darkest night of the month, and fills it with light. It honours Lakshmi as the giver of prosperity and, for many families, Rama’s homecoming to Ayodhya.

Step by step

How to observe it

Clean and decorate the home
In the days before, homes are cleaned, repaired and decorated. Lakshmi is said to enter homes that are clean and lit.
Draw rangoli at the entrance
Patterns of coloured powder, rice flour or flowers are made at the threshold, often with small footprints leading inside.
Light diyas at dusk
Rows of oil lamps are lit on doorsteps, windows and balconies as the evening begins, the period called pradosh.
Lakshmi and Ganesha puja
In the evening, Ganesha is worshipped first, then Lakshmi, with flowers, sweets, a lamp and incense. Many traders also worship their new account books.
Share sweets and visit family
Sweets are exchanged with neighbours and relatives, and elders are greeted and their blessings sought.

Customs differ between regions, communities and families. Where your family or temple has its own way, follow it.

Fasting

Not generally a fast. Some households fast through the day and eat after the evening Lakshmi puja.

Fasts should suit your health. Children, elders, pregnant women and anyone unwell or on medication should eat, or keep a lighter fast; that is the tradition, not an exception to it.