排灯节

About Diwali

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the Festival of Lights and one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and some Buddhist traditions. The festival symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is a time of joy, renewal, and togetherness.

Diwali is celebrated over five days, with the main day falling on the darkest night of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik — typically between mid-October and mid-November in the Gregorian calendar. On this night, millions of oil lamps (diyas), candles, and electric lights illuminate homes, temples, shops, and public spaces, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

Diwali is a public holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji. It is also celebrated with great enthusiasm by Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities around the world, and has been increasingly recognised as a cultural event in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

History & Origins

Diwali's origins are ancient and multifaceted, with different traditions offering different narratives. In Hinduism, the most widely known story is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana, as told in the epic Ramayana. The people of Ayodhya lit rows of oil lamps to welcome Rama home, giving rise to the Festival of Lights. Diwali is also associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and many Hindus perform special prayers (puja) to invite her blessings.

In Jainism, Diwali commemorates the attainment of moksha (spiritual liberation) by Lord Mahavira in 527 BC. In Sikhism, the festival is associated with the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment in the Gwalior Fort and his arrival at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. For some Buddhist communities, particularly the Newar Buddhists of Nepal, Diwali honours the emperor Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism. These diverse spiritual meanings converge on common themes of liberation, light, and the triumph of righteousness.

How It's Celebrated

• Lighting diyas & candles — Rows of oil lamps (diyas), candles, and decorative lights are placed around homes, courtyards, rooftops, and temples, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness.
• Rangoli — Intricate and colourful patterns called rangoli are created on floors near entrances using coloured powders, rice, flower petals, and sand to welcome guests and deities.
• Prayers & puja — Families perform Lakshmi puja on the main night of Diwali, praying for prosperity, health, and happiness. New account books are opened by businesses to mark a fresh financial start.
• Firecrackers & fireworks — Fireworks and firecrackers light up the night sky, though there is a growing movement toward eco-friendly celebrations to reduce air pollution and noise.
• Sweets & feasting — Sharing sweets (mithai) such as barfi, gulab jamun, laddu, and jalebi with family, friends, and neighbours is an essential part of the celebrations.
• New clothes & gift-giving — People wear new clothes, clean and decorate their homes, and exchange gifts with loved ones, symbolising renewal and gratitude.