🪔 Diwali 2026

Diwali Festival of Lights

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is India's most widely celebrated festival, observed by over a billion people across Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and some Buddhist communities. The word "Deepawali" derives from Sanskrit - "deepa" (lamp) and "avali" (row) - meaning a row of lights. The festival marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, according to the Ramayana. It is a gazetted public holiday in India and is celebrated across all 28 states and 8 Union Territories.

The Five Days of Diwali

Diwali is not a single day but a five-day celebration tied to the Hindu lunisolar calendar. It begins with Dhanteras, when Indians purchase gold, silver, or utensils as auspicious investments - the World Gold Council estimates Indians buy approximately 20-30 tonnes of gold on Dhanteras alone. Chhoti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) follows, then the main Diwali night of Lakshmi Puja, then Govardhan Puja, and finally Bhai Dooj. The exact dates shift each year based on the Amavasya (new moon) in the Hindu month of Kartik.

Regional Significance Across India

In West Bengal and parts of Northeast India, the same new moon night is observed as Kali Puja. In Jain tradition, Diwali marks the nirvana of Mahavira in 527 BCE. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas on the same day, commemorating Guru Hargobind Singh's release from Gwalior Fort in 1619. The economic impact of Diwali is significant - India's retail sector sees a 20-30% spike in consumer spending during the festive season, making it a critical period for MSME businesses, e-commerce platforms, and the gems and jewellery industry.