Diwali

November Major festival · 71 temples celebrating

About Diwali

Festival of lights celebrating the victory of light over darkness with illumination and fireworks.

Get Diwali puja kit on IndianShopping

Temples celebrating Diwali

Frequently asked about Diwali

When is Diwali celebrated?

Diwali falls on the new-moon (amavasya) night of the Hindu month of Kartika — typically late October or early November in the Gregorian calendar. The exact date shifts each year with the lunar calendar.

Why are oil lamps (diyas) lit on Diwali?

Diyas symbolise the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. They also commemorate Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya, which the citizens lit lamps to celebrate, and welcome Goddess Lakshmi into the home.

How is Diwali puja performed at home?

Families clean the home, decorate with rangoli, light diyas, and perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening — offering sweets, fruit, and a recitation of the Lakshmi Stotram or Chaalisa to the deity.

What sweets are made during Diwali?

Traditional Diwali sweets include laddoo (besan or motichoor), kaju katli, gulab jamun, jalebi, and regional staples like chakli (Maharashtra) and thekua (Bihar). Most are shared with neighbours.

Which deities are worshipped on Diwali?

Lakshmi (wealth, fortune) is the primary Diwali deity. Ganesha is invoked first as the remover of obstacles, and Saraswati and Kuber may also be honoured depending on regional tradition.