Experience Diwali: India’s Festival of Lights

Woman lighting the candles for the Festival of Lights in India — Wikimedia

Diwali transforms cities, towns, and villages across India into glowing landscapes. Markets fill with shoppers, homes shine with rows of lamps, and families come together to celebrate.

Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a five-day celebration of renewal, community, and hope. Families clean and decorate homes, light oil lamps, share sweets, and visit temples.

The core idea is simple and powerful: light over darkness, good over evil.

Here’s how each day unfolds and where you can experience the festivities at their best.

The Story Behind the Festival

Traditional diya lamps lit during diwali celebration — Adobe Stock

The origins of Diwali trace back to several stories from Hindu epics and regional traditions, which give different communities their own reasons to celebrate.

In northern India, Diwali celebrates Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile and his victory over Ravana. Citizens lit rows of lamps to welcome him home, inspiring the festival’s iconic lights.
In western India, the festival honors Goddess Lakshmi, who emerged from the cosmic ocean bringing wealth and prosperity.
In the south, it marks Krishna’s defeat of Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
For Sikhs, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, when Guru Hargobind Ji was released from captivity.
Jains observe it as the day Lord Mahavira attained nirvana.

These overlapping traditions have blended over centuries, making Diwali a shared celebration across faiths and regions.

Day 1 — Dhanteras

Indian customer in a jewellery exhibition buying gold on the occasion of Dhanteras and Vijayalaxmi. Traditional ornaments with marvelous stones and intricate designs. — Adobe Stock

Diwali starts with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to wealth and good fortune. Families clean and decorate their homes and head to the markets to buy gold, silver, or shiny utensils.

These purchases are considered auspicious and believed to bring prosperity into the house.

Where to experience it:

Mumbai’s Zaveri Bazaar comes alive with jewelry shops and crowds.
Jaipur’s Johari Bazaar showcases traditional Rajasthani craftsmanship.
Delhi’s Chandni Chowk glows with lights and the smell of freshly made sweets.

Day 2 — Naraka Chaturdashi

Varanasi India 30 Jan 2022 Ganga aarti ceremony rituals performed by Hindu priests at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi with selective focus. housands of diyas (oil lamps) are lined up on the stairs. — Adobe Stock

The second day, also known as Chhoti Diwali, marks Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. People rise before dawn for oil baths and light lamps to clear away negativity.

Where to witness it:

In Varanasi, the ghats along the Ganges are lined with thousands of small lamps at sunrise, creating a calm and reflective atmosphere.
In Goa, giant effigies of Narakasura are set on fire, filling the night with dramatic light and sound.

Day 3 — Lakshmi Puja

The third day is the most well-known and widely celebrated. Homes, temples, and streets are covered in lights as families perform Lakshmi Puja, inviting the goddess of wealth into their homes.

Top places to celebrate:

Ayodhya lines the banks of the Saryu River with countless lamps, marking Lord Ram’s return from exile.
Udaipur’s palaces reflect light across the lake in a stunning display.
Varanasi hosts Dev Deepawali, turning the ghats into glowing rivers of light.