What is Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and how is it celebrated?
Summary
Diwali, also called Deepavali, is a festival celebrated by more than one billion people in India and its diaspora, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists. In 2026, it falls on Nov. 8, and celebrations commonly include prayers, lamps, fireworks, meals, gifts and family gatherings.Key Facts
- Diwali means “a row of lights,” and clay oil lamps represent the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
- The festival follows the Hindu lunar calendar and usually falls in late October or early November.
- Regional Hindu stories link Diwali to Krishna’s victory over Naraka in southern India and Rama’s return from exile in northern India.
- Traditions include prayers, new clothes, fireworks, sweets, rangoli patterns and, in some regions, bathing with warm oil.
- Many northern Indian Hindus worship Lakshmi, associated with wealth and prosperity; some people buy gold on Dhanteras or gamble during Diwali.
- Jains mark the day Mahavira attained nirvana, while Sikhs observe Bandi Chhor Divas, linked to Guru Hargobind’s release from imprisonment.
- Some Buddhists mark Diwali as the anniversary of Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism.
- North American celebrations in 2026 included events at Disney World, Times Square and communities in New York, California and Vancouver. The article says California became the third U.S. state to make Diwali an official state holiday in 2025.
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