Festival of Lights

What Is Festival of Lights?

The term “Festival of Lights” most commonly refers to Diwali (or Deepavali), an ancient festival observed by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs across the globe. It is a pivotal annual event that symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. The festival’s observance extends over five days, marked by various traditions and cultural practices.

Diwali is particularly prominent in countries with significant Hindu, Jain, and Sikh populations. It is officially recognised as a public holiday in many nations, including Fiji, Guyana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. While the umbrella term “Festival of Lights” can encompass other celebrations in different cultures (such as Hanukkah or Tazaungdaing in Myanmar), this article focuses on Diwali due to its widespread recognition and the global context of its observance.

History and Origins of Festival of Lights

The origins of the Festival of Lights, Diwali, are deeply rooted in ancient Indian history and various religious narratives. For Hindus, the festival is associated with several legends. In northern India, it commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, marking the triumph of righteousness. In western India, it is primarily dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, with elaborate prayers offered to her. Southern India often observes Diwali as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.

For Jains, Diwali commemorates the attainment of moksha (liberation or salvation) by Mahavira, the last of the 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism, in 527 BCE. Sikhs celebrate Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas, marking the day in 1619 when Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, was released from imprisonment and also managed to secure the release of 52 Hindu kings with him. These diverse historical events converge into a multi-day festival of rejoicing and renewal.

How Festival of Lights Is Celebrated

The Festival of Lights is celebrated with a common theme of illumination and joy, though specific traditions vary across communities and regions. Homes are meticulously cleaned and decorated, often with intricate rangoli designs at entrances, symbolising welcome. Oil lamps (diyas) and candles are lit inside and outside homes, creating a warm, glowing ambience that gives the festival its name.

Family gatherings are central to the celebrations, involving shared meals, the exchange of gifts and sweets (mithai), and prayers. Fireworks are a prominent feature, especially in India, symbolising the warding off of evil spirits and adding to the festive atmosphere. Business communities often perform special prayers for prosperity and begin new account books on this auspicious occasion.

Celebrations in India

In India, each of the five days of Diwali holds distinct cultural significance. Dhanteras marks the first day, associated with wealth and the purchase of new household items, often gold or silver. Naraka Chaturdashi, the second day, celebrates the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Krishna, with early morning oil baths and festive meals. The third day is the main Diwali day, dedicated to Lakshmi Puja, where families offer prayers to the goddess of wealth. The fourth day, Govardhan Puja or Padwa, varies in its observance; it can mark the worship of Lord Krishna or celebrate the bond between a wife and husband. Bhai Dooj, the fifth day, honours the brother-sister relationship, with sisters performing rituals for their brothers’ longevity and well-being.

Celebrations in the Diaspora

In countries like Fiji, Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, where large populations of Indian descent reside, Diwali is observed with great enthusiasm, often mirroring traditions from the Indian subcontinent. Temples organise special services, and communities come together for cultural programmes, often featuring traditional music, dance, and communal feasts. The lighting of diyas and fireworks remains a universal practice, and homes are adorned to reflect the festive spirit.

Celebrations in Southeast Asia and Africa

In Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, Diwali, known as Deepavali, is a public holiday and is celebrated by Hindu communities with traditional oil baths, visits to temples, and family feasts featuring a variety of regional delicacies. In Kenya and other parts of Africa with Indian communities, Diwali serves as a significant cultural and religious event, fostering community cohesion through shared observances, prayers, and celebratory gatherings. Even in Myanmar, where the primary “Festival of Lights” (Tazaungdaing) is Buddhist, Hindu communities also observe Diwali with their traditional customs.

When Is Festival of Lights?

The Festival of Lights (Diwali) is a movable festival, as its date is determined by the Hindu lunar calendar, specifically the month of Kartika. It typically falls in late October or November in the Gregorian calendar. The celebrations span five days, each with its own cultural significance.

The exact dates vary each year due to the lunar calendar’s cycles. For example, in 2024, Diwali’s main day falls on 31st October, while in 2025, it will be on 20th October. The five-day period commences approximately 18 days after Dussehra or Vijayadashami, another significant Hindu festival.

Festival of Lights Key Facts