Diwali Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Diwali (Deepavali) is the Festival of Lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya and is celebrated across India and the diaspora.
Diwali Mythology & Legend
According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile on the new moon day of Kartika. The people lit oil lamps to welcome them. In other traditions, it commemorates Lord Krishna defeating Narakasura, or the goddess Lakshmi's emergence during the churning of the ocean.
Diwali 2027 Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- At dawn, take an oil bath and wear clean or new clothes.
- Draw rangoli at the entrance and light diyas facing the main door.
- In the evening, perform Lakshmi-Ganesh puja after sunset; light diyas in every room.
- Offer flowers, incense, and prasad; chant Lakshmi mantras.
- Exchange sweets and gifts with family and neighbours.
- Keep the house well-lit; avoid leaving any corner dark.
Diwali Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः
oṃ śrīṃ mahālakṣmyai namaḥ
Salutations to Mahalakshmi
Diwali Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Kaju Katli
- ●Besan Ladoo
- ●Chakli
- ●Namak Pare
- ●Gulab Jamun
Diwali Regional Celebrations across India
North India(दीपावली)
Lakshmi-Ganesh puja, fireworks, gambling tradition
Tamil Nadu(தீபாவளி)
Naraka Chaturdashi focus, oil bath at dawn
Gujarat(દિવાળી)
Diwali as New Year, bestu varsh
West Bengal(দীপাবলি)
Kali Puja on the same night
Diwali Do's & Don't's
Do's
- ✓Clean the house before Diwali
- ✓Light diyas after sunset
- ✓Wear new or clean clothes
- ✓Offer prasad and flowers during puja
- ✓Give to the needy
Don'ts
- ✗Avoid gambling in excess
- ✗Do not leave home dark; light lamps
- ✗Avoid negative speech or arguments
Diwali — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Diwali?
- Diwali (Deepavali) is the Festival of Lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
- When is Diwali 2027?
- In 2027, Diwali falls on Friday, 29 October 2027.
- What are the Diwali puja rituals?
- At dawn, take an oil bath and wear clean or new clothes.; Draw rangoli at the entrance and light diyas facing the main door.; In the evening, perform Lakshmi-Ganesh puja after sunset; light diyas in every room.; Offer flowers, incense, and prasad; chant Lakshmi mantras.
- What to eat on Diwali?
- Kaju Katli, Besan Ladoo, Chakli, Namak Pare, Gulab Jamun
- What should you do on Diwali?
- Clean the house before Diwali; Light diyas after sunset; Wear new or clean clothes
- What should you avoid on Diwali?
- Avoid gambling in excess; Do not leave home dark; light lamps; Avoid negative speech or arguments
- Which deity is worshipped on Diwali?
- Diwali is dedicated to Lakshmi.
Upcoming Diwali Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
Diwali is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 Nov 2026 | Monday | 06:35 am | — |
| 29 Oct 2027 | Friday | 06:06 am | — |