Festival of lights.
Pan-India
Celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya and the victory of light over darkness.
After fourteen years of exile in the forest, Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana in Lanka and returned to his kingdom of Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana. The people of Ayodhya lit rows of clay lamps (deepas) to illuminate the moonless night and welcome their beloved prince home. The darkness was banished by thousands of flickering flames, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Diwali also honors Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to visit homes that are clean, bright, and welcoming. Merchants close their old account books and open new ones, invoking her blessings for prosperity in the coming year. In Bengal, the festival is dedicated to Goddess Kali, while Jains commemorate Lord Mahavira's attainment of nirvana on this day.
The five-day celebration begins with Dhanteras (worship of wealth), followed by Naraka Chaturdashi (Krishna's victory over Narakasura), the main Diwali night on Amavasya, Govardhan Puja, and concludes with Bhai Dooj celebrating sibling bonds.
Partial Fast
Light fast on Diwali day until evening puja is complete.
Avoid
non-vegetarian food, alcohol
Allowed
fruits, milk, sweets, dry fruits
Many families prepare a special Diwali feast after the evening Lakshmi puja.
North India
Grand Lakshmi-Ganesh puja, firecrackers, card parties, and gift exchanges. Markets and homes are elaborately decorated with lights. Diwali melas (fairs) are common.
South India
Celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi — Krishna's victory over Narakasura. Oil baths at dawn, new clothes, and bursting crackers early morning. Less emphasis on Lakshmi puja compared to North.
East India
In Bengal, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja. Goddess Kali is worshipped with midnight rituals. In Odisha, ancestors are honored by lighting jute-stem lamps.
West India
In Gujarat, Diwali marks the New Year (Bestu Varas). Chopda Pujan — worship of account books — is central for merchants. In Maharashtra, fort-shaped lamps (killa) are traditional.
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