- Usually five days
- Kartik Amavasya, the new moon
- Kept across India and the world
- Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist meanings
Where it began
The name comes from the Sanskrit deepavali, a row of lamps. The festival falls on the new moon night of Kartik, the darkest night of the month, which is why lamps matter so much.
Legend says the people of Ayodhya lit rows of lamps to welcome Rama home with Sita and Lakshmana after fourteen years in exile and his win over Ravana. In many parts of the south, Diwali remembers Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. Many families honour Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, who is said to visit clean, bright homes on this night.
Other faiths hold the night dear too. Jains mark the nirvana of Mahavira. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, the release of Guru Hargobind from prison, with lights at the Golden Temple. Old Sanskrit texts describe a lamp festival in autumn, and travellers to India over many centuries wrote about towns lit with lamps.
How it grew over time
Ancient times
Sanskrit texts describe autumn festivals of lamps after the harvest, linked with Lakshmi and with the stories of Rama and Krishna.
Medieval period
Kings and merchants light palaces and markets, and traders begin their new account books on Diwali, a custom many business families still keep.
1600s
The release of Guru Hargobind gives Sikhs Bandi Chhor Divas, celebrated with lamps and fireworks at Amritsar.
1900s
Fireworks, electric lights and greeting cards spread, and Diwali travels with Indian families to Britain, the Caribbean, Africa and Southeast Asia.
Today
Diwali is a public holiday in many countries, and cities from Leicester to Singapore light up their streets for it.
How it is celebrated in different places
North India
Diwali remembers Rama's return. Ayodhya lights lakhs of lamps on the banks of the Sarayu, and families do Lakshmi puja at dusk.
Tamil Nadu and the South
The day starts before dawn with an oil bath and new clothes, remembering Krishna's win over Narakasura, followed by crackers and sweets.
Gujarat and Maharashtra
Diwali brings the new year for many families, with rangoli at the door, new account books and visits to friends.
Nepal
Tihar lasts five days and honours crows, dogs, cows and brothers, with lamps and deusi bhailo songs going door to door.
UK, US and Canada
Leicester hosts one of the largest Diwali light shows outside India, and cities across North America hold Diwali fairs and fireworks.
Singapore and Malaysia
Little India glows with street lights for weeks, and Deepavali is a public holiday with open houses for friends of every faith.
Diwali moments
Diwali today
Families clean and decorate their homes, draw rangoli, buy new clothes and gold, and light diyas on every step and window. Sweets go to neighbours, friends and colleagues, and the evening puja is followed by lamps, sparklers and family meals.
Many families now choose quieter, greener celebrations, with more lamps and fewer crackers, while the warmth of sharing stays the same.
