Diwali / Deepavali

2026: November 8, 2026

India · official holiday listing

Diwali (Deepavali), the festival of lights, celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Origin

Stories differ by region: Rama's return to Ayodhya, Krishna's defeat of Narakasura, or honouring Lakshmi. Jains mark Mahavira's liberation; Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas.

Where & who

India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, Trinidad, Mauritius and diaspora communities.

How people celebrate

• Cleaning and decorating homes; lighting clay lamps (diyas).
• Drawing rangoli patterns at the doorway with coloured powder or flowers.
• Lakshmi puja (worship) on the main night in many homes.
• Sharing sweets and visiting family.

How you can take part or learn

• Attend a public Diwali festival or temple open evening.
• Try making a simple rangoli with chalk or flowers.
• Greeting: "Happy Diwali" / "Shubh Deepavali".

Symbols

Diyas, rangoli, lotus, Lakshmi and Ganesha.

Food, music & art

Sweets (mithai) such as ladoo and barfi; devotional songs (bhajans).