Diwali – The Festival of Lights

Deepavali

Shine like sparkles, glow like candles, and burn all the negativity like crackles. Diwali (also called Deepavali) is known as the festival of lights. The spiritual meaning of Diwali is the “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.” The festival is typically celebrated over five days, between mid-October and mid-November (in the Tamil month of Kartika).

People light lamps and diyas during Diwali to dispel darkness both inside and outside, bringing new hopes, joy, and happiness. It is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals across India.

Who Celebrates Diwali?

Diwali is celebrated by people from multiple religious traditions, including:

• Hindus
• Jains
• Sikhs
• Buddhists (notably Newar Buddhists)

Other Names for Diwali

• Jains refer to it as Jain Diwali.
• Sikhs call it Bandi Chhor Divas.
• In Nepal, Sikkim and West Bengal, it’s known as Tihar or Swanti.
• In Jharkhand, it’s also called Bandna.
• In Tamil Nadu, the festival is called Deepavali.

When Is Diwali Celebrated?

Diwali usually falls around 20 days after Vijayadasami (Dussehra), between mid-October and mid-November. It coincides with the new moon night (Amavasya), considered the darkest night of the month, when lights are kindled to dispel darkness.

For example, in 2025, Diwali was observed on 20^th October.

History & Significance of Diwali

Diwali is one of India’s biggest festivals. It is a time when many people working or studying away from home return to celebrate with family and loved ones. The festival has roots going back over 2,500 years and is mentioned in many ancient texts, scriptures, travelers’ memoirs, and local traditions.

Here are some of the key narratives and associations behind Diwali:

1. Defeat of Narakasura

In South India, Diwali is often linked to the day Lord Krishna (the 8th avatar of Vishnu) defeated the demon king Narakasura. The story symbolizes the triumph of righteousness over evil.

2. The Victory of Rama

In many regions, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, following Rama’s victory over Ravana.

3. Pandavas’ Homecoming

Another story says Diwali marks when the Pandava brothers returned to Hastinapur after completing their exile of 12 years (plus one year in anonymity). Their return is celebrated as a victory of virtue.

4. Release of Guru Hargobind (Sikh Tradition)

Sikhs regard Diwali as the day their 6th Guru, Guru Hargobind, was released from Mughal imprisonment along with 52 Hindu kings. This day is observed as Bandi Chhor Diwas.

5. Mahavira’s Nirvana (Jain Tradition)

Jains celebrate Diwali in remembrance of Lord Mahavira’s attainment of Nirvana (salvation). It is believed his soul left his earthly body on this day.

6. Kamalatmika Jayanthi

In some parts of North India, Diwali is also linked to the incarnation of **Kamalatmika**, a form of the goddess Mahakali, adding a regional devotional dimension.

Where Is Diwali Celebrated?

While Diwali is predominantly an Indian festival, it is observed in many regions across India and beyond. Here’s how different areas celebrate:

In India

• Varanasi: Also known as **Dev Diwali** — devotees believe gods descend to Earth and take a dip in the Ganga; the ghats and riverbanks are lit up with lamps.
• Odisha: People perform Kauriya Kathi, a ritual honoring ancestors, and burn jute sticks to invite blessings.
• Bengal: Diwali coincides with **Kali Puja**. Devotees worship Goddess Kali by night, decorating temples with flowers and offering various items (rice, lentils, fish).
• Maharashtra: The festival begins with **Vasu Baras**, followed by **Dhanteras** (worship of Dhanvantari, the divine healer). They also observe **Diwali Cha Padva** which celebrates marital harmony.
• Gujarat: The Diwali day marks the start of the Gujarati New Year (**Bestu Varas**).
• Goa: People honor the day Lord Krishna killed Narakasura. Some even anoint themselves with coconut to symbolically rid themselves of impurities.
• Punjab: Diwali aligns with **Bandi Chhor Diwas**; fireworks and lights are used to celebrate the release of Guru Hargobind.
• Tamil Nadu: In South India, Diwali begins early in the morning with ritual baths in oil and water, believing Goddess Lakshmi resides in earth and water.
• Andhra Pradesh / Telangana: Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is especially worshipped; clay idols of Lakshmi are made and prayers are offered.
• Karnataka: They observe **Ashwija Krishna Chaturdashi** (bath rituals) and **Bali Padyami** (stories of King Bali). They also sometimes make cow-dung forts.

In Other Countries

• Indonesia (Bali): Celebrated with floating lanterns and rituals similar to India.
• Malaysia: Diwali (known as Hari Diwali) is a public holiday; streets and homes are decorated with lights.
• Fiji: Festival traditions include wearing new clothes, exchanging gifts, and offering sweets.
• Nepal: Called **Tihar**, Diwali is celebrated by worshipping Lakshmi, Ganesha, and honoring new beginnings.
• Guyana: There is a large Hindu community, and Diwali is officially observed per the Hindu calendar.
• Sri Lanka: Observed in line with the Ramayana epic: people remember Rama’s victory over Ravana.
• Thailand: Known as **Loi Krathong** (floating baskets) on the full moon of the 12th lunar month — combining light and water rituals.
• Mauritius: With a significant Hindu population, Diwali is widely celebrated; ties to Rama’s defeat of Ravana and Krishna’s killing of Narakasura are honored.

How Is Diwali Celebrated?

The hallmark of Diwali is giving light to darkness. Here are the common ways people observe the festival:

• In the days before Diwali, people begin preparing sweets and gifts.
• On Diwali morning, people bathe (often with oil) early, wear new clothes, and purify themselves.
• Homes and buildings are decorated — both inside and outside — with lamps, candles, string lights, and rangoli / kolam (intricate floor designs in color).
• Firecrackers and fireworks are burst to celebrate, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
• People visit temples, perform prayers (puja), and seek blessings from deities like Lakshmi and Ganesha.
• Relatives and friends exchange sweets, gifts, and festive greetings.

Why Burst Firecrackers?

The practice of bursting crackers during Diwali is believed to have emerged around 1400 AD. It has several symbolic meanings:

• To mark the celebration of good’s victory over evil.
• To dispel negativity and ignorance.
• To light up hopes, dreams, and positivity.

Diwali Stories for Kids

Story of Dhanteras

Once upon a time, a king’s 16-year-old son was prophesied to die of a snakebite on the 4th day of his marriage (Dhanteras). The new bride, determined to protect him, laid out all her ornaments, gold, silver and lit many lamps. She told stories and sang songs late into the night so the God of Death (Yama), disguised as a snake, was distracted and missed his timing. Thus, her wisdom saved her husband’s life. That day came to be celebrated as Dhanteras.

The Return of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana

This is perhaps the most popular Diwali narrative: after 14 years of exile and victory over Ravana, Rama returns to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana. The citizens lit up the town with lamps and rejoiced in their homecoming.

Mahavira Nirvana Diwas

Jains observe Diwali as the day Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana — the release of his soul — marking freedom from the cycle of birth and death.

Defeat of Narakasura

In the southern tradition, Diwali commemorates Lord Krishna’s defeat of Narakasura, a demon who made life miserable for the people. His victory brought peace and justice.

Traditional Decorations at Diwali

Diwali decorations are known for their vibrancy, warmth, and artistry. Common elements include:

• String lights, fairy lights, and electric bulbs
• Diyas, oil lamps, and candles
• Garlands of flowers and foliage
• Rangoli / kolam designs using colored powders, rice, flower petals, or sand
• Wall hangings, lanterns, and decorative crafts

Sweets & Diwali Festive Foods

Sweets (mithai) are integral to Diwali celebrations. Some common sweets across India include:

• Gulab Jamun
• Peda
• Kaju Katli
• Halwa varieties
• Payasam (in South India)

In South India especially, you’ll also find:

• Adhirasam
• Boondi Ladoo
• Teepi Gavvalu
• Deepawali Marundhu
• ThenKuzhal, Murukku
• Mysore Bonda

Traditional Gifts at Diwali

Gifting is a big part of Diwali, symbolizing goodwill, blessings, and love. Typical gifts include:

• Idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha
• Rangoli kits or stencils
• Diyas or decorative lamps
• Diwali puja thali sets
• Sweets and dry fruit hampers

Green Diwali: Celebrating Responsibly

In recent years, the concept of Green Diwali has gained importance. It encourages people to celebrate while minimizing environmental harm. Some ways to do this include:

• Reducing or avoiding firecrackers (which cause air & noise pollution)
• Using eco-friendly materials for decor (biodegradable rangoli colors, natural lamps)
• Planting saplings or trees instead of bursting crackers
• Following local government rules on fireworks and noise limits
• Emphasizing the spirit of light without harming health or environment

Tip: “Plant a tree this Diwali, instead of bursting crackers.”

Happy Diwali Wishes & Greetings

Here are some warm wishes you can use to greet loved ones:

Light a lamp of love, blast a chain of sorrow, shoot a rocket of prosperity. May your life be as colorful, vibrant, and magical as the lights of Diwali.

We are wishing you a Happy Happy Diwali!!

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Umamaheswari Sivanesan

Vanakkam! I'm Uma, currently living in Chennai. I hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry (M.Sc.), but my true passion lies in spirituality and the rich cultural heritage of Tamil traditions.

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