A visual guide to the Festival of Lights, delving into its traditions, myths, and varied cultural interpretations from the Analytical Report.
5
Structured Days
A spiritual journey from purification to celebration.
3+
Major Faiths
Celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and others.
1
Unifying Theme
The victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Every Diwali day holds its own meaning and tale, weaving a rich narrative for the celebration.
The Inauguration of Holistic Prosperity
The festival starts with an emphasis on wellness, connecting prosperity to good health. It's a time for tidying up, setting intentions, and buying items to attract fortune. Central gods include Lakshmi for wealth and Dhanvantari for health.
This diagram illustrates Dhanteras' essence: harmonizing material wealth and health, symbolized by the tales of Lakshmi and Dhanvantari.
The Purging of Evil
Called 'Choti Diwali,' this day marks the triumph of good over evil, commemorating Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura. Traditions like a pre-dawn oil bath represent spiritual purification.
Day 2 centers on the triumph of good, highlighted by Krishna's legendary victory, which shapes the day's key rituals and celebrations.
The Luminous Zenith
The peak of Diwali sees homes glowing with diyas on the new moon, inviting Goddess Lakshmi. It marks Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya. Worship of Ganesha, Lakshmi, and Saraswati reflects that wisdom clears the path to true prosperity.
This visual underscores the essence of Lakshmi Puja: embracing prosperity (Lakshmi), overcoming hurdles (Ganesha), and cherishing wisdom (Saraswati) for balanced success.
Gratitude for Nature & New Beginnings
This day embraces varied traditions. In the North, it’s Govardhan Puja, celebrating Krishna’s mountain-lifting feat to shield villagers and honor nature. In the West and South, it’s Bali Pratipada, signifying a new year for many and paying tribute to King Bali’s devotion.
The chart highlights the day's dual essence: honoring nature (Govardhan Puja) and embracing fresh starts (Bali Pratipada/New Year), key themes of the celebration.
The Sanctification of Sibling Bonds
The festival ends with honoring the sacred sibling bond, as sisters place a 'tilak' on their brothers' foreheads, wishing them a long, healthy life—a tradition tied to the tale of Yama and Yamuna.
This visual captures Bhai Dooj's essence: a sister's heartfelt prayers for her brother's long life and his promise to safeguard her.
Though primarily a Hindu celebration, the 'festival of lights' offers a cultural backdrop for diverse faiths to honor their key traditions.
This chart highlights the key reasons Diwali is celebrated in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, illustrating how one festival carries varied significance. The bar length reflects each tradition's thematic emphasis.
Diwali traditions differ widely across India, influenced by regional legends and deities.
The Pan-Indian Festival of Lights
Focus on Lord Rama's Head back to Ayodhya. Festivities feature Ramlila performances and elaborate Lakshmi Puja.
Focus on Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura. Main day is often Naraka Chaturdashi.
Focus on New Year celebrations (Bestu Varas) and consecrating new account books (Chopda Puja).
Focus on worship of the fierce Goddess Kali during Kali Puja on the new moon night.
This chart depicts how Diwali diverges into four key regional celebrations, each influenced by a prominent local story or custom.