What is Diwali?

Diwali is a five-day Hindu festival of lights celebrated each autumn, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

The festival takes its name from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning "row of lamps". Its central image is the diya, a small clay oil lamp, lit in homes, temples, and public spaces during the festival nights. The date moves each year because it follows the Hindu lunar calendar, falling on the new moon between mid-October and mid-November. The festival's significance varies across Hindu traditions. For many, Diwali marks the return of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana to Ayodhya after fourteen years in exile and the defeat of the demon king Ravana, as told in the Ramayana. For others, it celebrates the goddess Lakshmi, the bringer of wealth and prosperity, who is believed to visit homes that are brightly lit and cleaned in her honour. In eastern India, Diwali is linked to the worship of Kali.

Diwali is also observed by Sikhs and Jains, for whom the festival carries different meanings. Sikhs commemorate Bandi Chhor Divas, the day the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, was freed from Mughal imprisonment in 1619 along with fifty-two Hindu princes. Jains celebrate the day the founder of modern Jainism, Lord Mahavira, attained moksha.

Typical observances include a thorough cleaning of the home, the drawing of rangoli patterns in coloured powder at the entrance, the lighting of diyas and candles, the exchange of sweets and gifts, new clothes, family gatherings, and fireworks. For many Hindu businesses, Diwali also marks the start of the new financial year and a time when accounts are opened and prayers are offered for prosperity.

In the United Kingdom, Diwali is one of the most visible faith celebrations of the year. Leicester hosts what is often described as the largest Diwali celebration outside India, with public switch-on events drawing tens of thousands of people to Belgrave Road. London holds an annual Diwali in the Square event in Trafalgar Square, and major temples, community centres, and civic buildings across the country mark the festival with lights, music, and food. Diwali is recognised in schools under the RE curriculum and is increasingly marked in workplaces.