Diwali is one of the biggest and most widely celebrated festivals in India. It is the festival of lights, the victory of light over darkness and goodness over evil. People celebrate it with diyas, prayers, decorations, sweets, gifts, and family get-togethers. Deepavali is another name for Diwali. It is derived from the Sanskrit term for a series or row of lights. People light many diyas and lamps around homes and other places.
When is Diwali in 2026 in India?
What is the story behind Diwali, and why do we celebrate Deepavali?
Diwali is celebrated by large numbers of people in India and in many other countries. The story behind why people celebrate Diwali is that Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana were sent to the forest for 14 years in exile from Ayodhya. Ravana abducted Sita while in exile. Rama fought Ravana with the support of Hanuman and the vanara army. They defeated Ravana and brought back Sita. After the victory, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana went back to their home, Ayodhya. According to popular tradition, the villagers set rows of diyas to light their way through the dark night. This story is traditionally associated with the custom of lighting lamps during Diwali.
Diwali is generally celebrated over five days. The festival celebration starts with Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi/Choti Diwali, the main Diwali day with Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja / Bali Pratipada, and Bhai Dooj. Deepavali is a public holiday in India. However, these observances can vary by region and community.
In South India, Diwali is the day when Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura and freed the people from fear. Also, people pray to Lakshmi. She is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. On the night of Diwali, people believe that Lakshmi Mata visits the clean and bright homes and brings good fortune. Jains also celebrate Diwali as the day Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Sikhs in Punjab celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas around the same time as Diwali. Guru Hargobind Ji was released from Gwalior prison during this time with 52 prisoners and returned to Amritsar.
What do people do on the main Diwali day?
However, Diwali preparation starts some days before this festival. People do deep cleaning and purification of their homes, offices, and commercial spaces. They decorate their homes from the inside and outside. Rangoli is also made with colorful patterns near entrances and other parts of the home. Families light diyas, decorate the puja area, people wear new clothes, and spend time with loved ones. Sweets and gifts are also exchanged and shared with families and friends. Many people visit temples during Diwali, while Sikhs visit gurdwaras to mark Bandi Chhor Divas.
Lakshmi and Ganesha Puja is performed in many Hindu households on the main Diwali. Lakshmi Puja is performed on Diwali because it is associated with wealth and prosperity. Lord Ganesha is worshipped with Lakshmi on Diwali because he is associated with good fortune and wisdom. Diwali is the biggest shopping season in India. People believe buying new goods brings prosperity and good fortune. That's why they buy electronic items, vehicles, bikes, and household items on this day.
Why are firecrackers used during Diwali?
Firecrackers became part of Diwali celebrations in many communities. However, fireworks are not an essential part of every Diwali tradition or religious practice. You can celebrate it without firecrackers as an eco-friendly Diwali. You should avoid burning firecrackers during Diwali because they cause physical injuries, air and noise pollution.
How is Diwali celebrated in different states?
However, the Diwali celebration is not the same across India and other places. Diwali traditions developed around various regional stories, deities, and customs. Some communities celebrate it for the return of Lord Rama, and some celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi, Kali Puja, Govardhan Puja, or other traditions.
Devotees worship Goddess Kali through special rituals and pandals in West Bengal. Diwali includes several important days in Maharashtra, while Diwali Padwa is associated with the Marathi New Year with special foods and family traditions. Gujarat's Diwali is known as Bestu Varas and is celebrated with feasts, rangoli, temple visits, and new beginnings. Tamil Deepavali is particularly associated with Naraka Chaturdashi and traditions such as the oil bath. Sikhs in Punjab celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas around the same time as Diwali. Karnataka's Diwali includes Bali Pratipada, which honors the legendary King Bali.
Diwali is also celebrated outside India in different countries, including Tihar in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, and wherever Indian people are living.
What food is prepared and bought during Diwali?
Diwali foods vary by region and family. Sweets are an important part of Diwali food traditions. People prepare or buy sweets from shops, such as laddoos, barfis, gulab jamun, and more. Halwa, chole puri, kheer, and paneer dishes are cooked at home.
Why is Diwali important?
Diwali is important because it brings together religious belief, cultural traditions, and family relationships. Its central ideas include light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and prosperity. Diwali is strongly associated with Hinduism, but important Diwali-related observances also exist in Jainism and Sikhism. The religious meaning differs between these traditions.
So let's celebrate Diwali joyfully and sustainably.