🪔 Days Until Diwali
There are
days until Diwali (October 20)
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About Diwali
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Known as the "Festival of Lights," it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The five-day celebration typically falls between mid-October and mid-November, based on the Hindu lunar calendar. Traditions include lighting oil lamps (diyas) and candles, creating rangoli (decorative floor patterns), exchanging gifts and sweets, wearing new clothes, and setting off fireworks. Diwali is also associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
How to prepare for Diwali
Begin cleaning and decorating your home a week before Diwali — a clean home is believed to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. Shop for new clothes early, as stores get crowded closer to the festival. Prepare or order traditional sweets (mithai) like ladoo, barfi, and gulab jamun for gifting to neighbors and friends. Buy diyas, candles, and rangoli supplies for your entrance and living spaces. Plan your fireworks safely — always supervise children and keep water nearby. If attending a community celebration, arrive early for the best experience.
Traditions and customs
Diwali, the five-day Festival of Lights, is celebrated across Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. Homes and streets glow with rows of oil lamps (diyas) and candles, doorways are decorated with colorful rangoli patterns, families exchange sweets (mithai) and gifts, wear new clothes, and light fireworks. Many mark it as the start of a new financial year and pray to Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Diwali?
- Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar and falls between mid-October and mid-November, on the new moon (amavasya) of the month of Kartika. The main day of the five-day festival changes each year.
- What does Diwali celebrate?
- It celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Traditions vary by region and religion — many Hindus associate it with the return of Lord Rama, while others honor the goddess Lakshmi.
- Is Diwali a public holiday?
- Yes, it is a public holiday in India and several other countries with large Hindu, Jain, or Sikh populations, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia.