Diwali, or Deepavali, meaning “row of lights,” is celebrated across India and many parts of the world to mark the victory of good over evil. The festival is rooted in several legends, most famously, Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, celebrated with glowing diyas across the kingdom.

The five-day festival includes Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj, each symbolizing a unique aspect of faith and prosperity. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, was born during the Samudra Manthan and visits clean, illuminated homes on Diwali night. Lord Ganesha is also worshipped, representing wisdom and new beginnings.

Beyond Hinduism, Jains commemorate Lord Mahavira’s attainment of moksha, and Sikhs mark the release of Guru Hargobind Singh Ji from imprisonment. In Bengal, devotees celebrate Kali Puja with grandeur.

Countries like Nepal, Singapore, Fiji, and Mauritius observe Diwali as a public holiday, while Leicester in the U.K. hosts one of the largest celebrations outside India. The festival also marks the beginning of winter and the new harvest season.

1. Diwali is an important religious festival in India. Along with Hindus, the festival of light is also celebrated by Sikhs and Jains on account of different beliefs and values.
2. The history of facts and traditions related to Diwali dates back nearly 3 millennia. However, there are no exact dates due to assorted religions, mythologies, and vast history.
3. The word Diwali (or Deepavali as it’s sometimes called) is derived from the Indian ancient language Sanskrit which means “row of lights”.
4. The exact dates for Diwali change every year and completely depend on the moon cycle.
5. The pompous festival is celebrated for 5 long days, with each day associated related to different traditions and values.
6. Day 1 is Dhanteras (or Dhanatrayodashi), day 2 is Naraka Chaturdashi (or Chhoti Diwali), day 3 is Lakshmi Puja, day 4 is Annakut (or Govardhan Puja) and day 5 is Bhai Duj (or Bhau-Beej).
7. Also mythologically, this day is celebrated as the birthday of the goddess of Wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi. It is believed that the deity was born out of the Samudra Manthan, on the same day.
8. So, on Diwali people specifically lit diyas and lamps in the honor of the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi to help find her way into peoples’ homes, bringing prosperity.
9. Alongside Goddess Lakshmi, the God of intelligence Lord Ganesha is also worshipped. Worship of the duo symbolizes opening the door of wealth with intelligence.
10. The part of Bengal celebrates Diwali as Kali Puja. Kolkata, the city of joy usually gets filled with devotees worshipping the destroyer of evil forces.
11. Diwali brings extraordinary colorful, and intricate displays bringing life to the country amid the festival. Rajasthan and Delhi are among the cities to witness the joy of Diwali.
12. Buddhists celebrate Diwali to commemorate the time, in the 3rd Century BCE, when Emperor Ashoka adopted and embraced Buddhism.
13. Diwali is the only occasion when the rival country India and Pakistan put aside their hostilities and join hands to celebrate festivals of joy and also exchange sweets.
14.  Apart from India, it is believed that the English city of Leicester hosts the biggest Diwali celebrations for its population.
15.  The countries observing the official national holiday for Diwali in Fiji, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Trinidad, Tobago, and more.
16. Marking the beginning of winter Diwali also symbolizes the start of a new sowing season and new business accounts.
17. The celebration of light over darkness or good over evil is the core of the spiritual significance of Diwali. 

At its heart, Diwali reminds us that even the smallest flame can dispel the deepest darkness, a timeless symbol of hope, joy, and renewal.