Diwali: The Five-Day Religious Festival Explained

Diwali, the festival of light, is celebrated worldwide by those following the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faith in their millions. Some Buddhists also carry out the tradition.

The occasion celebrates light conquering darkness, new beginnings, and good triumphing over evil. The name comes from a Sanskrit term meaning “row of lights”, dipavali.

This year, the festival starts on Sunday 12th November. This date is also the celebration’s primary day, where many observing the tradition decorate their homes with intricate and bright patterns, known as rangoli.

Worshippers often make rangoli using sand, rice, or flower petals on indoor and outdoor floors. These artworks are usually intricate, with bright colors, and may be symmetrical.

For some Hindus, Diwali marks the new year when deities Rama and Sita return after experiencing exile for 14 years.

During this time, people honor the occasion by setting off fireworks, feeding people experiencing poverty, cleaning homes, gambling, giving gifts, and spending time with loved ones.

A woman in a colorful sari sits surrounded by little oil lamp flames in a circle. She's reaching to light another one. She's sitting on an elaborate and bright pattern known as a rangoli. — A woman lighting oil lamps, or diyas, for the Festival of Lights in India. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Lighting Up The Night

For those following the Hindu faith, the most commonly worshipped Goddess is Lakshmi. Many people pray to this goddess for wealth and career success.

On the new moon’s night, it’s traditional for celebrators to light little clay lamps containing oil, called diyas, to invite Lakshmi’s presence. People also leave their home’s windows and doors open to request the deity visits.

Many light diyas then place them in a temple, use them to decorate parapets or set them afloat on water.

A lit earthenware oil lamp, known as a diya. On the corner edge is a small flame. — Hindus light oil lamps, known as diyas, to invite Goddess Lakshmi into their homes. (Source: VD Photography/Unsplash)

Religious Differences Between Celebrations

Whereas many Hindus focus on inviting prosperity by honoring Lakshmi, some Sikhs and Jains have different traditions.

During Diwali, Sikhs celebrate the Hargobind Singh’s, the sixth guru’s release from prison in 1619. Sikhs call the festival Bandi Chhor Divas. Jains remember when the Jainism religion founder, Lord Mahavira, reached eternal bliss or Moksha.

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