What Diwali celebrates
Diwali (Deepavali, “row of lamps”) is the festival of lights. For many Hindus it celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his victory over Ravana, and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, bringer of prosperity. In parts of South India, it celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. In Bengal and Assam, Kali Puja is celebrated on the same night.
Diwali is shared well beyond one community. For Jains, it marks the nirvana of Bhagwan Mahavir, and the next day begins the Jain new year. For Sikhs, the same season brings Bandi Chhor Divas, celebrating Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’s release from Gwalior Fort. Across India, people of every community light lamps, share sweets and visit one another.
The five days
Diwali is usually celebrated over five days, with regional variations:
- Dhanteras (Dhan Trayodashi): worship of Dhanvantari and Lakshmi; buying metal utensils, gold or silver is traditional.
- Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali, Kali Chaudas in Gujarat): celebrating victory over Narakasura; an early-morning oil bath in many regions.
- Diwali / Lakshmi Puja: on Amavasya, the new moon, with lamps, rangoli, prayers and fireworks; in Gujarat, the last day of the year, with chopda pujan for account books.
- Govardhan Puja / Annakut, Bali Pratipada, and in Gujarat Bestu Varas, the New Year.
- Bhai Dooj (Bhau Beej, Bhai Phonta): celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
How the date is set
Diwali falls on the Amavasya (new moon) of the lunar month Kartika in Purnimanta calendars, which is the same night as Ashvina Amavasya in Amanta calendars. See Purnimanta and Amanta. It usually falls in October or November.
Lakshmi Puja is traditionally performed in the evening, during pradosh kaal after sunset, while Amavasya is prevailing, and often within a fixed lagna (Vrishabha) or a favourable Choghadiya. When Amavasya spans two evenings, panchangs apply rules to choose the day, which is why calendars occasionally differ.
How OIOA helps
- The panchang shows the tithi and Amavasya for your location.
- Choghadiya and muhurat windows help you see the evening’s timings.
- Reminders for Dhanteras through Bhai Dooj, and cards to wish friends of every community.
- Holidays show whether Diwali makes a long weekend this year.
Wishing someone
“Happy Diwali”, “Shubh Deepavali”, and in Gujarati households for the New Year, “Saal Mubarak” or “Nutan Varshabhinandan”. For Jain friends, the new year greeting follows Diwali too.