Diwali — Festival of Lights
Diwali (Dīpāvalī — literally “row of lights”) is the most widely celebrated Hindu festival — a five-day festival of light, abundance, and joy. Observed in the Hindu month of Kartika (October–November), on the new moon night (amavasya), Diwali transforms the darkness of the new moon into a sea of glowing lamps.
The Return of Rama
The most widely known story behind Diwali is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana (who had abducted Sita). The people of Ayodhya lit clay diyas to welcome their beloved king and queen, turning the dark night into a celebration of light.
The lighting of diyas at Diwali re-enacts this welcome — we bring light into our homes as the people of Ayodhya brought light to welcome Dharma.
The Five Days of Diwali
Day 1 — Dhanteras: Worship of Lakshmi and Dhanvantari (god of medicine); purchase of gold, silver, or utensils is considered auspicious.
Day 2 — Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): Celebrates Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura; early morning oil bath is traditional.
Day 3 — Diwali (Main Night): The primary celebration — Lakshmi puja after sunset, lighting of lamps, fireworks, family gatherings.
Day 4 — Govardhan Puja / Padwa: Celebrates Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill; also marks the first day of the new year in some traditions.
Day 5 — Bhai Dooj: Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
Lakshmi Puja
On Diwali night, Lakshmi — goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune — is invited into the home. Doors and windows are left open, the home is decorated with lamps and rangoli, and a formal puja is performed with flowers, sweets, and incense.
The belief is that Lakshmi wanders the earth on Diwali night, entering homes that are clean, bright, and filled with joy. Hence the tradition of cleaning and decorating homes thoroughly before the festival.
The Deeper Meaning
The festival’s spiritual significance goes beyond celebration:
- Light over darkness: Each lamp is a symbol of knowledge dispelling ignorance
- Inner Diwali: Diwali is an invitation to clean not just the home but the inner house — to let go of negative thoughts, old resentments, and limiting beliefs
- The fireworks that fill the sky echo the burst of joy when avidyā (ignorance) is destroyed by vidyā (knowledge)
As the scriptures say: Tamaso mā jyotirgamaya — Lead me from darkness to light.
Rituals & Observances
- Lighting diyas (clay lamps) inside and outside the home
- Lakshmi puja on the main night (Diwali night)
- Fireworks and sparklers
- Sharing sweets and gifts with family and neighbors
- Cleaning and decorating the home (welcoming Lakshmi)
- Rangoli designs at the entrance
- New clothes and jewelry
Fasting
Fasting is not typically observed on this festival.