How We Celebrate Diwali

How We Celebrate Diwali, the Five-Day Festival of Lights

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How do we celebrate Diwali (Deepavali)? At heart, this “row of lights” festival honors the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Spanning five vibrant days—Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali), Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja/Annakut, and Bhai Dooj—Diwali traditions blend devotion, family, food, and community service. Drawing on lived practice and cultural research, this guide explains the five days of Diwali, Deepavali rituals, and the significance of Diwali across India and the global diaspora.

As someone who has experienced the magic of Diwali since childhood, I can attest that its true power lies in this gradual build-up, culminating in a spectacle of light and unity that illuminates hearts and homes.

II. Pre-Diwali Preparations: Cleaning, Decorating, and Shopping

The excitement of Diwali begins weeks in advance with preparations that are as symbolic as they are practical.

  • The Great Cleanse (Cleanliness is next to Godliness): Homes undergo a thorough deep-cleaning, from every corner to every cabinet. This isn’t just spring cleaning; it’s a sacred act. The belief is that Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, will only enter a home that is physically and energetically pure. I recall the flurry of activity in my own home, where even the most forgotten storage spaces were not spared, all in the hopeful anticipation of divine blessings.
  • Home Decorations & Visual Arts:
    • Diyas and Lights: The most iconic symbol of Diwali is the lighting of countless diyas (earthen lamps). Each flickering flame represents the dispelling of darkness and the joyous return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile. Today, homes are adorned with everything from traditional oil lamps to strings of electric lights, creating a breathtaking panorama of illumination.
    • Rangoli/Kolam: Intricate, colorful patterns created at the entrance of homes with colored powders, rice, or flower petals. These are not just decorative; they are a form of sacred art meant to welcome guests and the Goddess Lakshmi, serving as a symbol of warmth and hospitality.
  • The Shopping Spree (Shubh Kharidi): Markets come alive as families shop for new clothes, symbolizing a fresh start and new beginnings. The exchange of gifts and boxes of sweets (mithai) like laddoos and barfis strengthens social and familial ties, turning the festival into a season of sharing and generosity.

III. The Five Days of Celebration: Rituals and Significance

The heart of Diwali lies in its five-day structure, each day a chapter in a larger story of spiritual renewal.

A. Day 1: Dhanteras (Dhana Trayodashi)

  • Focus: Welcoming Wealth and Prosperity.
  • Rituals: It is considered auspicious to buy gold, silver, or new utensils on this day, a practice believed to invite good fortune. In the evening, a lamp is lit for Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, praying for good health.
  • Significance: Dhanteras marks the beginning of the new financial year for many Indian businesses, setting a prosperous tone for the year ahead.
How We Celebrate Diwali

B. Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)

  • Focus: Purging Evil and Negativity.
  • Rituals: The day begins before dawn with an Abhyanga Snan—a ritual oil bath meant to purify the body and soul. In the evening, families light a few diyas, a smaller preview of the grand illumination to come.
  • Significance: This day commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the destruction of arrogance and evil within us.

C. Day 3: Lakshmi Puja – The Main Day of Diwali

This is the pinnacle of the festival, a night of intense devotion and dazzling light.

  • Rituals (The Core Celebration):
    • Ganesh-Lakshmi Puja: As evening falls, families gather for the main worship. Idols of Lord Ganesha (the remover of obstacles) and Goddess Lakshmi are installed. The air fills with the scent of incense and the sound of sacred mantras as offerings of flowers, sweets, and coins are made.
    • Lighting the World: Every diya in and around the home is lit, creating a mesmerizing sea of light that defies the darkest night of the year.
    • Feasting & Sharing: Elaborate meals are prepared, featuring an array of savory snacks and decadent sweets, which are shared with family, friends, and neighbors.
    • Fireworks: The night sky erupts in color with fireworks, a tradition symbolizing the joy of the people of Ayodhya upon Rama’s return. Today, there is a growing and conscious shift toward “green” Diwali celebrations, using eco-friendly products and minimizing noise and air pollution.
  • Significance: This day is deeply rooted in the Ramayana. It celebrates the return of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman to their kingdom after defeating the demon king Ravana, a ultimate victory of dharma (righteousness).

D. Day 4: Govardhan Puja / Annakut (New Year’s Day)

  • Focus: Devotion to Krishna and New Beginnings.
  • Rituals: In many regions, especially in the north, people create a small hillock from cow dung or food, representing Govardhan Hill, and worship it. Temples prepare an Annakut (a “mountain of food”), offering dozens of vegetarian dishes to the deities.
  • Significance: This day honors Lord Krishna, who lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra. It also marks the first day of the Hindu New Year (Vikrama Samvat) in many communities.

E. Day 5: Bhai Dooj (Bhai Tika)

  • Focus: Celebrating the Sibling Bond.
  • Rituals: Sisters perform a tilak ceremony, applying a sacred mark on their brothers’ foreheads and praying for their long lives. Brothers, in return, offer gifts and promise to protect their sisters, followed by a special meal together.
  • Significance: This beautiful ritual reinforces the lifelong bond of love and care between brothers and sisters, serving as a poignant, affectionate conclusion to the Diwali festivities.

IV. Regional Variations and Other Faiths

Diwali’s beauty is in its diversity.

  • Hindu Regional Differences: In West Bengal, the main day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kali. In South India, the traditions and mythological stories emphasized may differ, often focusing on Lord Krishna’s victory.
  • Diwali in Other Faiths:
    • Sikhism: Celebrates Bandi Chhor Divas (Prisoner Release Day) to mark the release of the Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, from imprisonment.
    • Jainism: Observes Diwali as the day Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankara, attained nirvana (liberation).

V. Modern Celebrations and Social Impact

Diwali continues to evolve while holding onto its core values.

  • The Diaspora Experience: For the global Indian diaspora, Diwali is a powerful link to their heritage. Community centers and temples host large gatherings, and virtual calls bridge continents, allowing families to celebrate together.
  • Giving Back: The spirit of Dāna (charity) is emphasized, with many people donating food, clothes, and money to the less fortunate.
  • Eco-Friendly Diwali: There is a significant and welcome movement towards sustainability. People are opting for handmade, eco-friendly diyas, organic rangoli colors, and celebrating with fewer or no fireworks to protect the environment—a testament to the festival’s inherent respect for nature.

VI. Conclusion: The Lasting Message

Ultimately, learning how we celebrate Diwali reveals a universal message. The external lights are a reminder to ignite the inner light of wisdom and compassion within ourselves. It is a call to conquer our inner demons of anger, greed, and ignorance.

This Diwali, whether you light a single diya or many, take a moment to reflect on this profound message. Share the sweetness with a neighbor, extend a hand to someone in need, and let the light of Diwali fill your home and heart. The true celebration of Diwali lies in carrying its spirit of joy, generosity, and light throughout the year.