Diwali in India: How the Festival of Lights is Celebrated
Diwali in India, also known as Deepavali, is one of the country’s most widely celebrated festivals. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is observed by millions of Hindus, Jains and Sikhs, as well as some Buddhist communities, with traditions that vary across India and South Asia.
At the heart of Diwali is the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. Over several days, families and communities illuminate homes with diyas (small oil lamps), create colorful rangoli designs, share festive foods and sweets, exchange gifts, gather for prayers and celebrate with family and friends.
Why Is Diwali Called the Festival of Lights?
The name Deepavali comes from the Sanskrit words deepa, meaning lamp or light, and avali, meaning a row or series. During Diwali, rows of small clay oil lamps called diyas are traditionally lit in homes and public spaces. Their light symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil.
While light is a powerful symbol throughout Diwali in India, the stories, traditions and meaning associated with the festival vary across the country. In northern India, Diwali is commonly associated with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. According to tradition, rows of lamps were lit to welcome Rama home.
In other regions, Diwali is connected with different Hindu traditions and deities, including Lord Krishna, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. These regional differences are part of what makes Diwali such a rich and fascinating celebration across India.
Despite these variations, families and communities throughout India celebrate Diwali over several days with lights, prayers, festive foods, gatherings and traditions passed down through generations.
How Diwali in India Is Celebrated: The Five Days of Diwali
The Diwali celebration traditionally unfolds over five days, with each day carrying its own customs and significance. While traditions vary by region and community, here is a look at the five days of Diwali and some of the ways they are celebrated in India.
Day 1 of Diwali in India: Dhanteras
The first of the five days of Diwali begins with Dhanteras, a day of cleaning and decorating. On this day, colorful Ragnoli designs made of colored rice and/or sand, and earthen diyas and candles brighten up homes and businesses to welcome the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi. It is considered auspicious to purchase valuables such as precious metals on this day.
Day 2 of Diwali in India: Choti Diwali
The second day of Diwali is known as Kali Chaudas or Narak Chaturdasi, and commemorates the day that Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur and made the world free from fear. The day starts before sunrise or during moon rise with a holy bath called Abhyang Snan. People celebrating use a special ayurvedic mixture, called ubtan, as herbal soap. This day is also day dedicated to the worship of Mahakali or Shakti, the Goddess who is considered responsible for creation and the agent of all change.
The rest of this day is spent offering puja (prayers) to remove any laziness and wickedness from their life, making local delicacies with pounded, semi-cooked rice, and exchanging gifts.
Day 3 of Diwali in India
The third day of Diwali is the actual Diwali (or Deepawali) and is the most important of the five days. Diwali is a day for families to gather together to worship Lakshmi and visit temples, gurudwaras, and churches to light candles. Then as night falls, they enjoy a wondrous feast and watch fireworks light up the sky. It is believed that their sound and light ward off evil spirits.
Day 4 of Diwali in India: Gujarati New Year
Celebrations on the fourth day of Diwali vary by region, known as the Gujarati New Year in western India, or Govardhan Puja and Vishwakarma Day in the North. The latter is named after a Hindu god known as the divine architect who built the holy city of Dwarka and created weapons for the gods. In modern times, people worship their tools – including electronic servers – in his name.
Day 5 of Diwali in India: Bhai Dooj
Finally, the fifth day of Diwali is known as Bhai Dooj and is a day for siblings (The name 'Dooj' means the second day after the new moon, the day of the festival, and 'Bhai' means brother) On this day, brothers visit their sisters’ homes for a feast and quality time. The meal signifies the sister’s blessings for her brother and her brother’s duty to protect her and mimics the story of when the god of death, Yamaraj, visits his sister and is showered with affection.
Experience the Culture and Traditions of India
The traditions of Diwali in India reflect the country’s extraordinary cultural diversity, spirituality and deep sense of community. From glowing diyas and colorful rangoli to family gatherings, sacred rituals and festive foods, Diwali offers a beautiful glimpse into traditions that have been shared across generations.
Traveling through India offers countless opportunities to go beyond sightseeing and connect more deeply with the people, stories and traditions that make the country so remarkable.
Ready to experience India for yourself? Explore Global Family Travels’ journeys to India and discover meaningful ways to experience the country’s culture, communities and traditions.
Comments