Diwali (Deepavali)
The Festival of Lights, the most celebrated Hindu holiday worldwide.
Diwali's main day falls on the new moon (Amavasya) of the Hindu lunar month Kartika (Ashvin in some regional calendars), usually in October or early November, within a festival of about five days.
When Is Diwali (Deepavali)?
Diwali's main day falls on the new moon (Amavasya) of the Hindu lunar month Kartika (Ashvin in some regional calendars), usually in October or early November, within a festival of about five days.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. It commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana, and the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura.
How It Is Observed
Lighting diyas (oil lamps) and decorating homes, fireworks, Lakshmi Puja (worship of the goddess of prosperity), exchanging sweets and gifts, new clothes, gambling (symbolic), cleaning and decorating the home.
Sacred Text
“To show them special mercy, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance.”
, Bhagavad Gita 10:11 ↗