The five-day celebration honors the triumph of light over dark

Diwali, also known as Divali, is a major religious festival celebrated in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It typically lasts for five days, starting from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina and concluding on the second day of the light half of the lunar month Karttika. The corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar usually fall in late October and November. The name "Diwali" is derived from the Sanskrit term "dipavali," which means "row of lights." This festival is often referred to as the "festival of lights" due to the prominent custom of lighting diyas (small earthenware lamps filled with oil), which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.

Observances and traditions associated with Diwali can vary depending on regions and specific beliefs, but there are some common elements:

1. Lighting of Diyas: The most widespread custom among Hindus is the lighting of diyas on the night of the new moon to invite the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and to dispel darkness.
2. Worship of Deities: Diwali is associated with various legends and deities. In North India, it celebrates Lord Rama's retu to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, connecting it with the holiday of Dussehra. In South India, it marks Lord Krishna's defeat of the demon Narakasura.
3. Lakshmi Puja: The third day of Diwali is dedicated to seeking blessings from the goddess Lakshmi for prosperity. Families light diyas, candles, and fireworks, visit temples, and decorate their homes.
4. Rangoli: Homes are decorated, and floors are adoed with rangoli, which consists of elaborate designs made from colored rice, sand, or flower petals.
5. Open Doors and Windows: It is customary to keep the doors and windows of houses open on Diwali night, symbolizing the hope that Lakshmi will find her way inside to bless the residents with wealth and success.
6. The Five Days of Diwali: The five days of Diwali have specific significance:
   • Dhanteras: A day for cleaning homes and purchasing small items of gold, with a focus on worshipping Lakshmi.
   • Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali: Commemorates Krishna's destruction of Narakasura and includes prayers for ancestors' souls.
   • Lakshmi Puja: The main day of Diwali when families seek blessings from Lakshmi and engage in various celebrations.
   • Goverdhan Puja, Balipratipada, or Annakut: Commemorates Krishna's defeat of Indra and marks the start of the new year in the Hindu calendar.
   • Bhai Dooj, Bhai Tika, or Bhai Bij: Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
7. Social and Cultural Celebrations: Diwali is also a time for visiting, exchanging gifts, wearing new clothes, feasting, and giving to the less fortunate.
8. Fireworks and Games: Fireworks are traditionally set off during Diwali, though restrictions have been imposed in some areas to limit noise and environmental pollution. Gambling, especially card games, is encouraged for good luck.

In Jainism, Diwali commemorates the enlightenment and liberation (moksha) of Mahavira, one of the Jain Tirthankaras, from the cycle of life and death (samsara). The lighting of lamps in this context represents the light of Mahavira's holy knowledge.

In Sikhism, Diwali is celebrated to mark Guru Hargobind's retu to Amritsar from captivity in Gwalior, echoing the theme of retuing home, much like Lord Rama's retu to Ayodhya.

In some Buddhist traditions, particularly among the Vajrayana Buddhist minority of the Newar people in Nepal, Diwali is celebrated as a commemoration of the day when Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism in the 3rd century BCE. This is observed by lighting lamps, decorating temples and monasteries, and worshipping the Buddha.