Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant festivals in India. Celebrated by millions of people across the world, it marks the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. For the Indian diaspora, Diwali is a connection to their cultural roots, while for many non-Indians, it’s a time to appreciate the joy, community, and beauty of the festival.
The Five Days of Diwali: A Celebration Across India
Each day of Diwali is filled with unique traditions, rituals, and cultural practices. While the five days (celebrated during the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika (between mid-October and mid-November)) are celebrated across India, the customs can vary greatly from region to region.
The main day of the festival of Diwali (the day of Lakshmi puja) is an official holiday in Fiji, Guyana, India, Malaysia (except Sarawak), Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Diwali/Deepavali 2024 Fri, Nov 1, 2024 – 9 countries – Thu, Oct 31, 2024 – 5 countries
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What does Diwali or Deepavali mean?
The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning “rows of lighted lamps”. (Deepa – Light/lamp Avali – row)
(Featured image at the top of the post – Photo by Udayaditya Barua on Unsplash)
Day 1: Dhanteras – Welcoming Wealth and Prosperity
Dhanteras marks the official start of Diwali. This day is dedicated to the worship of Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
- Story: The churning of the ocean, or Samudra Manthan, led to the emergence of both Lakshmi and Dhanvantari holding the pot of nectar (Amrit). Lord Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is said to have brought Ayurveda and Amrit, the nectar of immortality to mankind on this day and he is traditionally also worshipped in some parts of the country. There are a number of temples in Kerala and Tamil Nadu dedicated to Dhanvantari and Ayurveda.
Sagara Manthana (Sanskrit for the Churning of the Ocean) is important in the Hindu stories of origin and are widely depicted in temples in India and Asia. The largest bas relief in the world about this story can be found in Angkor Wat in Cambodia – the largest known Hindu temple (this one is dedicated to Lord Vishnu) in the world.
- Traditions: People buy precious metals like gold, silver, and new utensils, believing it brings good fortune. Homes are cleaned and illuminated with oil lamps to invite Lakshmi’s blessings.
- Regional Variations: In North India, Dhanteras is celebrated with house cleaning and shopping, while in South India, families prepare for the next day’s Naraka Chaturdashi.
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) – Victory of Light over Evil
Known as Chhoti Diwali in the north and Naraka Chaturdashi in the south, this day symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
- Story: In South India, it celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, who had imprisoned thousands of women. Krishna’s triumph is seen as the victory of righteousness.
- Traditions: The day starts with an early morning oil bath, lighting of diyas, and bursting of firecrackers to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.
- Regional Variations: In North India, people light diyas in preparation for the main day of Diwali. In Maharashtra, families celebrate by taking ritual baths before sunrise, followed by offering food to deities.
Day 3: Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali Day) – The Festival of Wealth and Prosperity
The third day is the most important and widely celebrated day of Diwali. Lakshmi Puja is performed to honor Goddess Lakshmi, invoking her blessings for wealth and prosperity.
- Story: This day is linked to Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile and victory over Ravana. His homecoming was celebrated by lighting oil lamps across the city.
Carvings showing Lord Rama’s is victorious in battles with Ravana and returns to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile. Learn more about the Ellora temple and it’s carvings here.
- Traditions: Homes and businesses are illuminated with oil lamps, candles, and colorful rangolis. Lakshmi is worshipped in the evening, and families exchange gifts and sweets.
- Regional Variations: In West Bengal, this day is dedicated to Kali Puja, honoring Goddess Kali with elaborate pandals and rituals. In Gujarat, it marks the new financial year, with businessmen offering prayers for prosperity.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Annakut) – Celebrating Lord Krishna’s Protection
Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, celebrates the legend of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers from torrential rains.
- Story: When Indra, the King of Gods and the god of rain and thunder, shows his anger on the villagers for not worshipping him, Krishna lifted the hill to shelter them. This act is seen as a victory of humility over arrogance. Learn more here
- Traditions: People create a small hill made of cow dung, symbolizing Govardhan, and worship it. Temples prepare large offerings of food, known as Annakut.
- Regional Variations: In North India, this day focuses on preparing grand feasts, while in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, it’s known as Bali Pratipada or Bali Padyami, celebrating the victory of Lord Vishnu as Vamana over King Bali. Learn more here.
In Gujarat, Annakut is the first day of the new year and celebrated through the purchase of essentials, or sabras (literally, “good things in life”), such as salt, offering prayers to Krishna and visiting temples.
Trade and merchant families and others also offer prayers to Goddess Saraswati, who embodies music, literature and learning and Kubera, who symbolizes book-keeping, treasury and wealth management.
In western states such as Gujarat, and certain northern Hindu communities of India, the festival of Diwali signifies the start of a new year and a new Financial year.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj – Celebrating the Bond of Siblings
The final day of Diwali, Bhai Dooj, honors the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ long life, and brothers vow to protect their sisters.
- Mythical Story: This tradition is linked to the meeting of Yamraj, the god of death, with his sister Yamuna. Yama granted her a boon that every brother who visits his sister on this day will live long and prosper.
- Traditions: Sisters apply a ceremonial tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, perform aarti, and exchange sweets. Brothers, in turn, give gifts to their sisters.
- Regional Variations: In Maharashtra, this day is celebrated as Bhau Beej, with similar sibling rituals. In Bihar and UP, it’s marked by family gatherings and feasts.
Regional Variations: How Diwali is Celebrated Across India
Diwali’s core themes remain consistent, but each region brings its unique touch to the festival.
North India: A Celebration of Rama’s Return
- Traditions: Diwali is linked to Rama’s victory over Ravana. Homes are decorated with diyas, and streets are lit with dazzling lights.
- Foods: Families prepare sweets like Gujia, Kaju Katli, and Ladoos.
- Special Customs: Elaborate Ramlila performances narrating Lord Rama’s life are held in many towns.
South India: Deepavali and Narakasura’s Defeat
- Traditions: In South India, Deepavali celebrates Lord Krishna’s defeat of Narakasura. People take early morning oil baths and wear new clothes.
- Foods: Popular treats include Murukku, Adhirasam, and Mysore Pak.
- Special Customs: Lighting lamps before sunrise and bursting crackers early in the morning.
West India: Lakshmi and New Beginnings
- Traditions: In Gujarat and Maharashtra, Diwali marks the new financial year. Businesspeople perform Lakshmi Puja and close old accounts.
- Foods: Shrikhand, Chakli, and Farsan are common festive foods.
- Special Customs: Families decorate their homes with rangolis and welcome guests with sweets.
East India: Kali Puja and the Worship of the Fierce Goddess
- Traditions: In West Bengal, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, where Goddess Kali is worshipped with elaborate pandals and rituals.
- Foods: Popular sweets include Rasgulla and Sandesh.
- Special Customs: Kali Puja is celebrated through the night, with pandals and firecrackers symbolizing the destruction of evil.
Diwali Around the World: Celebrating with the Indian Diaspora
For the Indian diaspora, Diwali represents a connection to cultural roots. Large-scale celebrations are held in countries like the United States, UK, Canada, Singapore, and Mauritius. Community events, including lighting ceremonies, fireworks, and traditional dance performances, are embraced not only by Indians but also by local communities who celebrate the festival’s universal message of hope and joy.
Spiritual and Environmental Significance
While Diwali is a time for celebration, it is also a period of spiritual reflection. The festival encourages people to dispel darkness and ignorance from their lives and embrace knowledge, light, and goodness.
- Eco-Friendly Diwali: In recent years, many have adopted eco-friendly practices, reducing the use of firecrackers, opting for sustainable decorations, and donating to the less fortunate.
Foods of Diwali: A Culinary Journey Across India
Diwali is as much about food as it is about lights. Each region of India has its own special dishes that make the celebration delicious and memorable.
- North India: Kaju Katli, Jalebi, Petha.
- South India: Payasam, Murukku, Mysore Pak.
- West India: Farsan, Chakli, Shrikhand.
- East India: Rasgulla, Sandesh, Nimki.
FAQs About Diwali
- Why is Diwali celebrated over five days?
Diwali spans five days, each with its own significance, from Dhanteras (welcoming wealth) to Bhai Dooj (honoring sibling bonds). - What is the story behind Diwali?
Diwali marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, and also celebrates Lakshmi’s blessings and Krishna’s defeat of Narakasura. - How is Diwali different in various regions of India?
In North India, it celebrates Lord Rama’s return, while in South India, it’s linked to Lord Krishna’s victory. East India focuses on Kali Puja. - What foods are prepared during Diwali?
Regional sweets like Kaju Katli in North India, Murukku in South India, and Rasgulla in East India are popular. - What is the proper greeting for Diwali?
‘Happy Diwali’ or ‘Happy Deepavali’ will do the trick, but there are other Diwali wishes you can say to anyone celebrating the festival. A traditional Diwali greeting is to say “Wishing you a Diwali that brings happiness prosperity and joy to you and all your family”.
Conclusion: Diwali – A Festival That Unites Us All
Diwali is more than just a festival; it’s a reminder of the power of light, hope, and unity. Across India and the world, families come together to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, making Diwali a truly global festival. Whether through traditional pujas, eco-friendly celebrations, or sharing sweets with loved ones, Diwali remains a festival that brings people together.