What Is Diwali and When It Occurs
Diwali, also called Deepavali, is a major Hindu festival of lights celebrated over five days. It usually falls between mid-October and mid-November, based on the Hindu lunar calendar. The main night coincides with the new moon (Amavasya) in the month of Kartik.
Key Rituals and Traditions
On Diwali, homes are cleaned, decorated with rangoli, and lit with clay lamps called diyas. Families perform Lakshmi Puja to welcome the goddess of wealth and prosperity. People wear new clothes, exchange gifts and sweets, and set off fireworks. Many also visit temples and honor Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, as described in the Ramayana.
How Diwali Is Celebrated Across India
Celebrations vary by region but commonly include family gatherings, feasts, and community events. In northern India, people worship Lakshmi and Ganesh; in the south, the festival often honors Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. In western India, the new year begins the day after Diwali. Many businesses start new account books on this day, a practice called Chopda Pujan. For travel and event details, see the overview at https://www.indianetzone.com/deepavali_festival_info.htm.
