Diwali / Dīpāvali

Find your inner light at the Festival of Lights…

When: October / November every year, 13th November 2012, 3rd November 2013.
Where: India and all over the Hindu world.

The name Diwali is a shortening of the word Dīpāvali, which literally translates into “row of lamps”. Traditionally, small clay lamps (divas) filled with oil are lit to signify the triumph of good over evil within.

During the 5 days of Diwali many wear new clothes and carry share sweets and snacks to share with others. New utensils are bought, and some Indian businesses start their financial year on the first day of Diwali for good luck in the following year.

While Diwali is popularly known as the “festival of lights”, the most significant spiritual meaning is “the awareness of the inner light”. Diwali celebrates this through festive fireworks, lights, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship. While the story behind Diwali varies from region to region, the essence is the same – to rejoice in the inner light or the underlying reality of all things.

When is Diwali?

Diwali marks the beginning of the lunar New Year and is celebrated in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism, according to the lunar Hindu calendar, and falls sometime between mid-October and mid-November. The festival starts 2 days before the main day and lasts 5 days in total.

Tell us all about Diwali in your local area. You can share your pics and videos on our facebook page too! Or if you just want to say hi, or leave a comment for any other reason, we’d love to hear from you.

Food & Drink

At Diwali, no Indian family can do without their sweet dishes like Badam Phirni, Gulab Jamun and other incredibly sweet Indian delicacies. Drink Lassi.

Travel to India

Travel to anywhere in India, however, the festival isn’t as widely celebrated in the state of Kerala. One of the best places to experience Diwali is in the “pink city” of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Book flights and hotels with ebookers.com. You may need to search for flights and hotels separately.

Dates / venues may be subject to change or cancellation. Distances may be straight-line estimates. Please verify information before booking.

From holiday reading and travel books on India to binoculars and sunglasses you can find everything you need for an amazing trip on Amazon. And don’t forget the camera!

Enjoy your trip! And when you’re home we’d love you to come back and tell us all about it!

Indian Diwali “Kandeel” lanterns These gorgeous paper star “kandeel” lanterns are used at Diwali in India to decorate the entrances of homes and businesses, but we think they give a fabulous focal point (no pun intended!) to any room at any time of year. They give a soft glow and throw pretty shapes onto nearby surfaces.

Diwali Lanterns by Amit K, on Flickr