Guide to Diwali: Festival of LightsDiscover the Traditions, Significance, and Celebrations of Diwali

Light and the victory of good over evil are celebrated around the world, from India to Israel. These often-religious festivals are a time to practice togetherness, kindness, compassion, and gratitude. Perhaps the most famous of all festivals of light is Diwali, a Hindu festival that originated in India. Here you'll find all you need to know about this special time of year and about what to expect from a trip to India at this time of year.

Diwali is a Hindu festival of light that celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over dark. The word 'Diwali' translates as 'row of lighted lamps'—a common feature of the festival. In India, Diwali is the most important holiday on the calendar and is normally celebrated over the course of five days.

Festivities vary throughout India, and each region has its own particular traditions. However, there are a few customs and practices that all follow. People will clean their home, perform Lakshmi Puja, and adorn their houses with clay lamps fuelled by oil (known as diyas). In these modern times, candles and electric lights are often used in place of the more traditional oil lamps. Out on the streets, firecrackers are set off, and nightly fireworks displays take place.

Offerings and prayers are made to the goddess Lakshmi in hope she will grant wealth and prosperity, and at local temples joyful singing and dancing takes place. The floors of buildings and courtyards are decorated with rangoli artwork, intricate designs made from coloured rice, sand, powder, and flower petals. The most popular pattern during Diwali is a lotus flower, on which Lakshmi is often depicted sitting upon or holding in her hand.

Diwali heralds the Hindu new year, and therefore it's considered a good time to throw out old and unwanted items and purchase new clothes, gold, and silver, as well as utensils for the house. It's a time to feast with family and friends and share special sweets, dried fruit, and gifts with others. Girls and women will adorn their hands with beautiful henna designs while men play three-card poker—known as Teen Patha in Hindi—in the hope they might win during this auspicious time of year.

Diwali is celebrated across India. It's an official holiday for every single state, though each region has their own particular way of celebrating. It's also observed in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and Bali, where Hinduism is prominent.

Diwali is also an important yearly event in countries around the world that have a large Indian population. In the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa, there are public events and popular celebrations, including fireworks on Diwali.

As one of India's most widely celebrated events, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to places to visit for Diwali. Cities, towns, and villages across the country will be decorated in light and rangoli artworks. If you're looking for somewhere extra special to enjoy Diwali, here is our pick of the top five destinations in India:

Jaipur for special Diwali treats and market shopping

Varanasi—for Diwali at its most spiritual

Kolkata, for pious rituals and Kali Puja

Amritsar: for grand Sikh temples illuminated at night

Goa—for Diwali by the beach with demon effigies

Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of Kartika in the Hindu calendar. For most of India, Kartika is the eighth month of the year and corresponds with the months of October/November in the Gregorian Calendar.

Forthcoming Diwali dates

Diwali takes place on the following dates over the next few years:

2024 - Friday 1st November

2025: Monday, 20th October

Dates vary across the states of India.

Diwali has been celebrated since ancient times, and each of India's major religions—Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism—assigns a different significance to the special event. It is widely believed that the festival originated as a summer harvest festival with lamps and candles representing the sun and the light and energy it provides. Over time, legends began to be associated with Diwali, from the marriage of goddess Lakshmi with Lord Krishna to the return of Lord Rama from exile and his battle with Ravan.

The one thing that unites Diwali, wherever it may be celebrated, is the use of candles and lamps to light the dark. There is mention of this practice in a 7th-century Sanskrit play, while two centuries later an eminent poet refers to the tradition of homes being whitewashed in preparation of the Kartika new moon.

Despite being considered a Hindu festival, Diwali is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains around the world. For Sikhs, Diwali coincides with the celebration of the release of the sixth Guru, while for Jains it is a time to remember Lord Mahavir and his teachings.

Food plays an important role in Diwali celebrations and there are a few dishes and treats that are a must during this auspicious occasion. Sweets, known as mithai in Hindi, play a pivotal role as they are exchanged between friends and families. Popular mithai at Diwali include:

Jalebi: pretzel-shaped flour batter deep-fried and soaked in sugar syrup

Gulab Jamun: deep fried milk solids flavoured with spices and topped with nuts

Kajoo Barfi: thickened milk combined with sugar, mild spices & ground cashew nuts

Not all Diwali snacks are diabetes-inducing, however, with a number of savoury snacks made at home and available from street stalls across India. These include:

Samosa: pastry stuffed with minced meat, spiced potatoes, lentils and onions and then either baked or fried

Bombay mix: dried and fried peas, lentils, chickpeas and noodles that are highly seasoned with spices and salt

Pakora: vegetables encased in chickpea flour batter and then fried