In India, between around mid-September and mid-November, hundreds of millions of people observe
Diwali, a traditional Hindu festival, but also celebrated by other religious communities worldwide.
While Hindus associate the festival with the return of Lord Rama and the worship of Lakshmi, the
goddess of prosperity, religious practitioners like Jains, Sikhs, and even some Buddhists also observe
Diwali, with their own unique interpretations and traditions. For each faith, it marks different
historical events and stories.
Diwali also honors Ganesha, the god of wisdom and the remover of obstacles. In India and Nepal, this
event is a multi-day festival, although the days and rituals are named differently. The term Diwali is
derived from the Sanskrit words dīpa, 'lamp, light, lantern, candle, that which glows, shines,
illuminates or knowledge' and āvali, 'a row, range, continuous line, series'.
Originally a Hindu tradition,
Diwali has long transcended
religious and geographical lines.
A major cultural event for the
people of India, but also for
foreigners, Diwali symbolizes the
spiritual victory of life and light
over darkness, good over evil,
and knowledge over ignorance.
During the weeklong observance
of Diwali, people place countless
lamps at their dwellings, stores,
schools, and temples, clothe
themselves in new garments,
sing, dance, and feast.
They clean, renovate, and
decorate their home and
workplace, wear their finest
clothes, illuminate the interior
and exterior of their houses with
diya (earthen-made oil lamps)
and display rangoli (colorful art
circle patterns). People also
worship and pray, light
fireworks, and partake in family
feasts, where mithai (sweets)
and gifts are shared.
Numerous townships and
villages host melas (fairs) where
local merchants and artisans
trade fresh produce and other
goods. At such events, a variety
of music, dance and arts
performances, food, crafts, and
cultural celebrations are
featured. Diwali marks a major
shopping period in India,
comparable to the Christmas
period in the West for consumer
purchases and economic
activity.
In 2023, a Diwali celebration in
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India,
broke the Guinness World
Record for the largest array of
oil lamps with 2,223,676
displayed on the eve of Diwali.