Goddess Lakshmi
Some traditions mark her birthday on Diwali, others the day Lord Vishnu married her.
Diwali on the Square 2026 was cancelled because of forecast storms. Thank you for your support.
Home/ About Diwali
About Diwali
The festival of lights
- Meaning
- Deepavali, a row of lights
- When
- October or November, on a new moon night
- Celebrated by
- Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists
Deepavali means a row of lights.
Homes are lit with diyas and colourful lights, and families exchange gifts and mithai. Diwali celebrates the light of knowledge: good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It most likely began as a harvest festival in ancient India, and today it reaches across cultures and faiths.
The stories
Why Hindus celebrate Diwali
The return of Rama
Rama, Sita and Lakshman came home to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. On that moonless night, people lit lamps to welcome them, and the festival of lights began.
Krishna and Narakasura
Lord Krishna defeated the demon king Narakasura and freed 16,000 captives.
Goddess Kali
In Bengal, Diwali is the night of Kali Puja.
One festival, five days
Five days of Diwali
- Day one
Dhanteras
A day for Goddess Lakshmi. Families buy something precious, such as gold, silver or new utensils, and light lamps at the door in the evening.
- Day two
Kali Chaudas, or Naraka Chaturdasi
Remembers Krishna's victory over Narakasura and honours Goddess Kali, who destroys negativity. Rangoli patterns are made on or before the day.
- Day three
Diwali
The high point of the festival. Lamps and fireworks mark Rama's homecoming and the triumph of good over evil, and many welcome Lakshmi into the home.
- Day four
Annakut, the new year
Celebrates Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to shelter people from floods. It is the new year in the Vikram Samvat calendar.
- Day five
Bhai Dooj
A day for brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers' long lives, and brothers promise to protect their sisters.
Beyond Hinduism
Diwali across faiths
Sikhs
Bandi Chhor Divas
Marks the release of Guru Hargobind from prison in 1619, with 52 princes holding the strings of his cloak. The Golden Temple is lit to celebrate.
Jains
Lord Mahavir's moksha
Diwali marks Lord Mahavir's attainment of moksha, freedom from the cycle of rebirth, in 527 BCE. The earth and heavens were said to be lit with lamps.
Buddhists
Choosing peace
Many remember Emperor Ashoka choosing peace over violence. Newar Buddhists in Nepal celebrate by worshipping Lakshmi and Vishnu.
Why the lamps matter
The meaning behind the lights
Light within
Diwali is about inner light as well as lamps: the awareness that guides us through the darkest times.
Forgiveness
A time to let go of past wrongs, our own and other people's.
New beginnings
Merchants open new account books, and families buy new clothes for the year ahead.
Giving
People are moved to be charitable and generous.
Cleaning, inside and out
Homes are cleaned, and it is a time for reflection too.
Hope
Lighting a candle rather than cursing the darkness.
Diwali in London
Celebrate with us
Diwali on Trafalgar Square
Diwali on the Square 2026, planned for Sunday 25 October, was cancelled because of forecast storms. A Mayor of London event, organised in partnership with the DiL Committee.
Read the statementThe DiL Committee
Thirteen volunteer-led organisations working together to share Diwali with all of London.
About DiLJoin us next year
Diwali on the Square 2026 was cancelled. Register your interest and we will let you know when plans for next year are announced.
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