Diwali
दिवाली
The festival of lights, one of the biggest celebrations in Hinduism. Homes are decorated with oil lamps, fireworks light up the sky, and families worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity.
Why We Celebrate
Diwali (Deepavali, "row of lights") celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana. Citizens lit thousands of diyas to welcome him home. The festival also honors Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to visit and bless clean, well-lit homes on this night. For merchants, Diwali marks the start of a new financial year. The five-day celebration (Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj) represents the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most celebrated festivals in Hinduism. Its central legend tells of Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile in the forest and his epic victory over the demon king Ravana in Lanka. When Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana finally returned home, the people of Ayodhya were overjoyed and lit thousands of earthen oil lamps (diyas) to illuminate the path and welcome their beloved prince home on a moonless night.
Diwali also celebrates Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to visit and bless homes that are clean, well-lit, and filled with positive energy. The story goes that Lakshmi emerged from the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) on the new moon night of Kartik, and she chose to reside in homes where she sees cleanliness, warmth, and devotion. This is why families spend days cleaning, decorating, and lighting their homes before Diwali night.
The five-day festival spans Dhanteras (wealth), Narak Chaturdashi (victory over evil), Diwali (lights and Lakshmi Puja), Govardhan Puja (gratitude to nature), and Bhai Dooj (sibling love). Together they represent a complete cycle: prosperity, triumph, devotion, humility, and family bonds. For millions worldwide, Diwali is a reminder that no matter how deep the darkness, light always prevails.
How It's Celebrated
Clean and declutter your home thoroughly in the days before (Lakshmi loves cleanliness)
Decorate with rangoli at the entrance, torans on doors, and diyas everywhere
In the evening, perform Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja with proper vidhi
Light diyas in every room, especially at the entrance and windows
Open all doors and windows during puja to welcome Lakshmi
Exchange sweets and gifts with neighbors, friends, and family
Enjoy fireworks and sparklers (eco-friendly options preferred)
Regional Variations
What You Need
- Earthen diyas (oil lamps) — at least 11 or 21
- Mustard oil or ghee for lamps
- Rangoli colors and stencils
- Lakshmi-Ganesh idols or photos
- Red or yellow cloth for the puja platform
- Coins and new account books (for merchants)
- Sweets (laddu, barfi, kaju katli), dry fruits
- New clothes for the whole family
- Incense, camphor, flowers, and kumkum
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Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja
The main Diwali worship
Diya Lighting Ceremony
Family-friendly ritual of light
The full step-by-step guided walkthrough with audio, mantras, translations, and a supply checklist is available in the app.
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Did You Know?
- ✦Diwali is celebrated by over 1 billion people worldwide and is now an official holiday in many countries including the United States, UK, Canada, and Australia.
- ✦The word "Deepavali" literally means "row of lights" — traditionally, families light exactly 13 diyas and place them at specific locations in the home, including one at the doorstep for departed ancestors.
- ✦Lakshmi Puja on Diwali night must be done during a specific muhurat (auspicious window) — in many families, the puja begins at midnight because Lakshmi is believed to roam the earth during the late night hours.
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