Diwali Date in the current year: November 1, 2024
Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu festival that falls between mid-October and mid-November in the Gregorian calendar. It is dedicated to the victory of light over darkness.Diwali has been celebrated since ancient times. It originated as a harvest festival. The word “deepavali” can be translated from Sanskrit as “a row of lights”. The celebration of Diwali includes thousands of lights that decorate houses, temples, and other buildings.
Diwali is one of the happiest and most significant festivals in India and Nepal. People start preparing for the celebration beforehand, cleaning their homes and decorating them with lights. It is customary to buy new clothes and presents for relatives and friends.
The celebration includes diyas (oil lamps), candles, lanterns, and fireworks. Fireworks are intended for chasing away evil spirits. People gather with family members and friends for festive meals. It is customary to exchange homemade sweets (mithai) and gifts.
Diwali is a public holiday in countries with considerable Hindu population, such as India, Guyana, Mauritius, Nepal, Suriname, Fiji, Kenya, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago. Although it is a five-day festival, only one day is celebrated as a public holiday. It falls on the new moon of the month of Kartika.
Remind me with Google CalendarCategory
- Religious Holidays, Folk Festivals
Country
- India, Guyana, Mauritius, Nepal, Suriname, Fiji, Kenya, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago
Tags
- Diwali, Deepavali, festival of lights, Hindu festivals, public holiday, religious festival