An inside look at Diwali, a celebration of light, community, and the triumph of good over evil, cherished by millions across the world.
5
The festival unfolds over five days, each with unique traditions and meaning.
900M+
Celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists worldwide.
1st
It is one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar.
Diwali is not just one day, but a series of interconnected celebrations.
Day 1: Dhanteras
The festival kicks off with preparations and purchases of precious metals, symbolizing wealth.
Day 2: Choti Diwali
A smaller-scale celebration day, focused on cleansing and preparing for the main event.
Day 3: Lakshmi Puja
The main event. Homes glow with lights, and prayers are offered to the goddess of prosperity.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja
A day to celebrate faith and the bond between spouses in different regional traditions.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj
The festival concludes with a celebration of the cherished bond between siblings.
Diwali's spirit is built on several key pillars. While lighting diyas is iconic, the festival is equally about community, faith, and family.
This chart shows the balanced importance of different aspects of the celebration, from spiritual devotion to the joy of feasting and spending time with loved ones. Each pillar is essential to the vibrant and holistic experience of Diwali.
Though its roots are in India, Diwali's light has spread across the world. Significant diaspora communities have carried these traditions with them, making it a truly global festival.
The chart provides a conceptual visualization of major celebration hubs outside of India. The size of each bubble represents the relative scale of public and private festivities, from large-scale events in the USA and UK to vibrant community gatherings in Canada, Australia, and beyond.
Sharing food, especially sweets ("mithai"), is central to Diwali. It's a gesture of hospitality, celebration, and goodwill offered to guests and exchanged between families.
This chart showcases the immense popularity of various traditional sweets during the festival. Each segment represents a beloved treat, highlighting the rich culinary heritage that accompanies the spiritual celebrations of Diwali.
Celebrate the main day of Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) on these upcoming dates.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 21 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | November 8 | Sunday |
| 2027 | October 29 | Friday |