Overview
Diwali, also known as Dipavali (IAST: Dīpāvalī), is the Hindu festival of lights, with variations celebrated in other Indian religions such as Jainism and Sikhism. The festival symbolises the spiritual victory of Dharma over Adharma, light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is observed during the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvin (in the amanta tradition) and Kārtika, falling between around mid-October and mid-November, with celebrations generally lasting five or six days.
Within Hindu traditions, Diwali is linked to several deities and narratives. It is widely associated with the return of Rama to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana after his victory over Ravana, as recounted in the Ramayana. The festival is also strongly connected with the worship of Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity, and Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Regional traditions further associate the festival with Vishnu, Krishna, Durga, Shiva, Kali, Hanuman, Kubera, Yama, Yami, Dhanvantari or Vishvakarman. In Eastern India and Bangladesh, Hindus generally observe Diwali by worshipping the goddess Kali.
While primarily a Hindu festival, Diwali is also marked by communities of other faiths in their own ways. Jains observe Diwali to commemorate the final liberation (moksha) of Mahavira. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, marking the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment under the Mughals. Newar Buddhists, distinct from other Buddhist communities, observe Diwali through the worship of Lakshmi.
Customs during the festival include illuminating homes, temples and workplaces with diyas (oil lamps), candles and lanterns. Hindus traditionally take a ritual oil bath at dawn on each day of the festival. Houses are decorated with rangoli designs on floors and jhalars (decorative hangings), and fireworks form a prominent part of the celebrations. Food plays a central role, with families sharing feasts and exchan
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