Diwali, also spelled Deepavali, is the Hindu Festival of Lights — one of the most important holidays in Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and some Buddhist traditions. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Diwali has multiple origin narratives across India's diverse traditions. In northern India, it celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. In southern India, it commemorates Krishna's defeat of the demon Narakasura. For Sikhs, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas — the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment. The festival's lunar dating places it on the new moon (Amavasya) of the Hindu month of Kartik.
Houses and streets are cleaned, decorated, and illuminated with rows of clay oil lamps (diyas) and electric lights. Families gather, exchange sweets and gifts, and burst firecrackers. Rangoli — colored powder designs at doorways — welcome the goddess of wealth Lakshmi. Many Hindu businesses begin their new financial year on Diwali. Five days of celebration: Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja (main day), Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.
Sweets dominate: jalebi, gulab jamun, ladoo, barfi, kheer, halwa. Savory snacks like samosas, chaklis, and namak para. Regional specialties vary widely. Sharing sweets with neighbors and colleagues is essential.
"शुभ दीपावली" (Shubh Deepavali) · "Happy Diwali" · "Diwali Mubarak" · "दीपावली की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं"
Diwali is a national public holiday in India, Singapore, Malaysia, Fiji, Trinidad, Guyana, and Suriname. The week around Diwali sees domestic travel surge — book trains weeks ahead. Major Indian cities have fireworks displays. Air quality in northern India can drop sharply for several days.