Diwali: The Festival of Light
It’s a major festival celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and the start of new beginnings for millions of people of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths. Here’s what you need to know about Diwali.
Diwali runs over five days. The festival tends to fall between October and November, but the exact date varies each year. In 2023, the main date of celebration is Sunday 12 November.
It’s best known as the festival of lights. The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means “rows of lighted lamps”. Homes and streets tend to be decorated with small oil lamps called diyas, with the light supposed to help Lakshmi – goddess of wealth and good fortune – find her way into people’s homes.
Each religion celebrates for different reasons. For some Hindus, it marks the beginning of the New Year, and is about the return of deities Rama and Sita after 14 years of exile. The festival is known as Bandi Chhor Divas for Sikhs, celebrating the release of the sixth guru Hargobind Singh from prison in 1619. For Jains, it’s about the moment Jainism founder Lord Mahavira reached a state of being known as Moksha, or eternal bliss.
It is a time when traditions are followed. Homes are cleaned, new clothes are worn, and prayers are said. Outside their homes, people draw rangolis – traditional designs made using colorful powders – to bring good luck and positivity into their lives.
The festival provides an occasion for families to come together. People visit friends and family, with sweets, gifts, and good wishes being exchanged. Some of the festive dishes enjoyed include puri (fried bread), paneer, and gulab jamun – with celebrations for many being rounded off in style by lighting fireworks. However, not everyone is a fan of the fireworks. There’s been criticism that fireworks can frighten animals and increase air pollution. The government in India’s capital Delhi has previously imposed a ban on the sale and use of firecrackers because of the impact on air quality.
Celebrations aren’t limited to India. Communities worldwide take part in Diwali. The city of Leicester, in the UK, has one of the biggest celebrations outside India with everything from dance to fireworks, food, and fashion. And you can find plenty of events taking place in the United States, Australia, and Europe.