Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Hinduism, and it holds significance for Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. Known as the Festival of Lights, it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

Table of Contents

1. When is Diwali?
2. The History of Diwali?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. The Hindu Lunar Calendar

When is Diwali?

The date of Diwali varies each year as it is based on the Hindu lunar calendar, specifically falling on the Amavasya (new moon) of the Hindu month of Kartik. This typically places it in October or November.

The following is the list of Diwali from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Diwali

Diwali is an ancient festival celebrated across India and other parts of the world with deep cultural and spiritual significance. Known as the Festival of Lights, its origins are rooted in mythology, history and religious traditions.

One of the most popular legends associates Diwali with Lord Rama from the Hindu epic Ramayana. After 14 years of exile and defeating the demon king Ravana, Rama returned to his kingdom of Ayodhya with his wife and brother. To celebrate their return and the triumph of good over evil, the people of Ayodhya lit rows of oil lamps, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.

In some traditions, Diwali celebrates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura, who had terrorized the people of Earth and kidnapped thousands of women. Krishna defeated Narakasura, symbolizing the destruction of evil and the liberation of the oppressed.

The earliest references to Diwali can be found in Sanskrit texts, which describe the significance of lighting lamps during harvest festivals. Diwali was initially a harvest festival celebrated to honor prosperity and the bounty of the land.

Over centuries, Diwali gained prominence during the reign of Hindu kings and emperors. The festival became a unifying celebration, transcending regional and cultural differences.

During the Mughal period, Diwali remained an important festival for Hindus, with rulers often respecting its significance. Under British rule, Diwali continued to flourish as a symbol of cultural identity and resilience.

Diwali is one of the most sacred festivals for Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, celebrated with prayers and traditions. Over the years, Diwali has evolved into a cultural festival celebrated by people of all backgrounds in India and beyond, symbolizing joy and renewal.

What Do People Do on This Day?

Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated to welcome positive energy and prosperity. Rangoli designs made with colored powders, flowersor rice are created at entrances to invite Goddess Lakshmi.

Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Lord Ganesha (remover of obstacles) during the evening. Homes are illuminated with diyas during the Lakshmi Puja, seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.

Families buy new clothes, jewelry and household items, as wearing fresh attire on Diwali is considered auspicious. Many families visit temples to offer prayers and participate in special rituals.

Fireworks and sparklers are lit as part of the celebrations, symbolizing the removal of darkness and the victory of light.

Families prepare and enjoy elaborate meals, featuring both savory and sweet dishes. Food and sweets are shared with neighbors, friends, and relatives as a gesture of goodwill.

Gifts such as sweets, dry fruits, decorative items, and jewelry are exchanged among family and friends to spreading happiness and goodwill.

Many people give food, clothes, or money to the underprivileged, ensuring that everyone can partake in the festivities. Temples and community centers often organize charity drives.

The Hindu Lunar Calendar

The Hindu lunar calendar is a traditional calendar system used in Hindu culture to determine the timing of religious festivals, rituals and auspicious days. It is a luni-solar calendar, combining elements of the Moon's and the Sun's movements.

The calendar is based on the phases of the Moon, with each month beginning at the new moon (Amavasya) or full moon (Purnima), depending on the regional tradition.

A lunar month consists of 29.5 days, resulting in 354 or 355 days in a lunar year, approximately 10–12 days shorter than the solar year. To align with the solar year, an extra month is added approximately every 2.5 years.

Seasons: The year is divided into six seasons.

1. Vasanta Ritu (Spring)
2. Grishma Ritu (Summer)
3. Varsha Ritu (Monsoon)
4. Sharad Ritu (Autumn)
5. Hemanta Ritu (Pre-winter)
6. Shishira Ritu (Winter)

Months: The Hindu Lunar Calendar has 12 months.

1. Chaitra (March–April)
2. Vaishakha (April–May)
3. Jyeshtha (May–June)
4. Ashadha (June–July)
5. Shravana (July–August)
6. Bhadrapada (August–September)
7. Ashwin (September–October)
8. Kartika (October–November)
9. Margashirsha (November–December)
10. Pausha (December–January)
11. Magha (January–February)
12. Phalguna (February–March)

Weeks: The Hindu calendar recognizes seven days of the week, each associated with a celestial body.

1. Sunday (Ravivara) – Sun
2. Monday (Somavara) – Moon
3. Tuesday (Mangalavara) – Mars
4. Wednesday (Budhavara) – Mercury
5. Thursday (Guruvara) – Jupiter
6. Friday (Shukravara) – Venus
7. Saturday (Shanivara) – Saturn