Diwali: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Nov. 9, 2026

News •

Thick smog shrouds New Delhi after Diwali firecrackers add to seasonal pollution • Nov. 9, 2026, 10:56 PM ET (AP)

Diwali celebrations coincide with worsening air. Here’s how to stay safer • Nov. 6, 2026, 9:27 PM ET (AP)

Facts

Also Known As	Divali • Deepavali • Dipavali

Photos and Videos

Row of lit oil lamps with bright flames arranged on a red surface, celebrating Diwali in India.

Rangoli for Diwali

Large effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran, and Meghanad stand illuminated at dusk, with one effigy engulfed in flames and fireworks as people watch during Dussehra festival in New Delhi.

Crowd of shoppers at a market stall selling shiny brass utensils and vessels during Dhanteras celebrations in Kadam Kuan, Patna, India.

A woman wearing gold bangles holds a metal tray with several lit diyas made of wheat flour, celebrating Diwali at night in India.

Table decorated for Diwali with a framed image of Goddess Lakshmi, lit candles, marigold garlands, flowers, and offerings, creating a festive and spiritual atmosphere.

Idol of Goddess Kali with blue skin, multiple arms, and a garland of heads, displayed in a brightly decorated puja pandal during Kali Puja in West Bengal, India.

Bandi Chhor Divas

A priest arranges offerings around a statue of Lord Krishna, surrounded by numerous plates of vegetarian food on a checkered floor for Annakut or Govardhan Puja at Naba Brindaban temple in Kolkata, India.

Why Is Diwali Called the Festival of Lights?

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Topics

Diwali and Beyond The Festival of Lights diya Pongal Ugadi

People lighting traditional earthen lamps during the Hindu festival Diwali in India. flame

All About Diwali Quiz

A woman and her daughter smear color powder on one another's face on Holi, the Indian festival of colors.

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Chandigarh. Statuettes at the Rock Garden of Chandigarh a sculpture park in Chandigarh, India, also known as Nek Chand's Rock Garden. Created by Nek Chand Saini an Indian self taught artist. visionary artist, folk artist, environmental art

Explore India Quiz