Why Is Diwali Called the Festival of Lights?

Celebrated around late October and early November, Diwali is observed by over a billion people and is a joyous time for Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists. The festival begins on the 13th day of the dark half of the Hindu calendar month Ashvina and ends on the second day of the light half of the month Karttika. The holiday lasts five days with each day having its own special meaning and practices. The third day, a new moon day, is the most significant. Different regions have their own origin stories for Diwali. In Northern India, Diwali is celebrated in honour of the Hindu deity Rama, who is said to have returned to the city of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. In Southern India Hindus celebrate Diwali as Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. The holiday is also sacred to the goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and good fortune. Some consider Diwali her birthday while others consider it the anniversary of her wedding with the god Vishnu. For those who follow Jainism, Diwali marks the moment when Mahavira, the most recent Tirthankara, or saviour figure, was liberated from samsara, the repeating cycle of life and death. Sikhs observe Diwali as commemorating Guru Hargobind’s release after his imprisonment by the Mughal emperor Jahāngīr. Some Buddhists celebrate Diwali as the day when Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism in the 3rd century BCE. The name Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word dipavali, which means “row of lights.” Throughout the festival, small earthenware oil lamps called diyas are placed outside of homes and temples to welcome Lakshmi. Colourful rangolis— elaborate geometric designs, made on the floor with materials such as sand, flower petals, or rice flower—are drawn at the entrances of homes. Gambling card games are also commonly played as they are believed to bring good luck in the coming year. Traditionally, Lakshmi is said to favor women players. Regardless of how one observes the festival, Diwali is a celebration of light overcoming darkness and a time for feasting, exchanging gifts, visiting friends and family, and more.