Diwali (Tihar)
India, Nepal · Hindu · 5 days
Quick answer: Diwali, the festival of lights, is a five-day Hindu, Jain and Sikh-linked celebration of light over darkness; families clean their homes, light oil lamps (diyas), worship Lakshmi, share sweets and exchange gifts. In Nepal it is called Tihar and also honours crows, dogs, cows and brothers.
What Diwali celebrates
Diwali, from Sanskrit deepavali, 'row of lamps', falls on the new-moon night of the lunar month of Kartika. Meanings differ by region: the return of Rama to Ayodhya in much of North India, the worship of Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity, across the country, and Krishna's victory over Narakasura in the south. The shared idea is knowledge, goodness and hope prevailing over ignorance.
The five days
The sequence opens with Dhanteras, a day for auspicious purchases and lamp-lighting, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi. The main night, Lakshmi Puja, is when homes are lit, rangoli patterns are drawn and prayers are offered. The fourth day brings Govardhan Puja or new-year observances in some regions, and the fifth, Bhai Dooj (Bhai Tika in Nepal), celebrates siblings.
Food and festive etiquette
Sweets such as ladoo, barfi and sel roti, plus savoury snacks, are shared with neighbours. Visitors are welcome to join: bring sweets or dry fruit, remove shoes indoors, and dress neatly. Many communities now prefer quieter, lower-smoke fireworks, so follow local rules and consider clay diyas instead.
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali 2026 falls on 8 November, with the five-day festival running roughly 6 to 10 November, depending on regional calendars.
Is Diwali only a Hindu festival?
It is most closely linked with Hinduism, but Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists also observe it, each with their own historical meaning.
Written by the FestivBook Research Desk · Updated Oct 23, 2026