An illuminated paradise: a guide to India’s Diwali from the experts
India’s sky resembles a canopy of lights during Diwali every year, while its land is decorated with thousands of candles. Our insights will guide you through the festival this year as travel inspiration until you can experience the magic live.
The festival of lights in India is the biggest, brightest holiday of the year. “Deepavali” is the Sanskrit term for the festival meaning the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa). The row of lights that line the outside of homes symbolize inner light that defends against spiritual darkness. Celebrated once a year in autumn, the festival spans over the course of five days around the end of October and beginning on November.
Wondering what the festival is all about? Here’s everything you need to know about one of the most enchanting and auspicious festivals on earth. Book in advance to secure your space and experience the festival of happiness and prosperity, as you celebrate together with locals and your likeminded travellers.
What is Diwali celebrated for?
The Diwali festival is used as a way to acknowledge several spiritual events, and most notable one is the victory of good over evil, and victory of light over darkness. Traditionally, it deals the return of the god Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana after defeating the demon king Ravana, a story derived from the Sanskrit epic Ramayana. The festival also marks the beginning of a new Hindu calendar year in some parts of northern India and is celebrated by other faiths as well. Celebrated across India as one of the most important Hindu festivals, Diwali begins with wearing new clothes and illuminating homes to welcome wealth and prosperity from the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi During the festival, participants celebrate life, its enjoyment and a sense of goodness. Visiting India during Diwali is a mesmerizing experience – the country is illuminated with homes full of lights, colourful flowers and firecrackers filling the skies, said to be a way to express respect to the heavens and request peace, health, prosperity, wealth and knowledge.
What are the five days of Diwali?
The primary deity worshipped throughout the festival is the goddess Lakshmi, though each of the five days throughout the festival holds unique significance. The first day of Diwali is dedicated to celebrating prosperity and citizens clean their homes and decorate their homes, purchasing gold or metal kitchen utensils – these rituals attract good luck and positive energy. On the second day, they decorate their courtyards with Rangoli design patterns filled with coloured powders of sand. On day three, the celebration is known as Naraka Chaturdasi or Chhoti Diwali (small Diwali) and in Goa, demon figurines are burned in celebration of Goddess Kali and Lord Krishna destroying the demon Narakasura.
The most important day signifies the new moon day and is the darkest day of the month during which Lakshmi (the goddess of prosperity) is worshipped with unique rituals in the evening, a delectable feast and an exchange of gifts. The festivities continue by lighting oil lamps, bursting firecrackers and lighting bonfires to burn away any negative spirits. The sight is spectacular with millions of lights shining brightly on housetops, doors, windows, temples and across the entire continent. The final day, Bhai Dooj, celebrates the eternal bond between brother and sister, with prayers, blessings, and shared rituals.
However it is celebrated, the spirit of Diwali is universal—the belief that, eventually, light will triumph over darkness.
– National Geographic
When is Diwali?
Diwali falls between late October and early November, based on the Hindu lunar calendar.
Upcoming dates:
2026: Nov 8
2027: 29 Oct
2028: 17 Oct
Is Diwali a national holiday in India?
Yes! Diwali is a public holiday across all of India, though the number of days off varies by state and institution.
How long does Diwali last in India?
Diwali is a five-day festival, with the main day (Lakshmi Puja) celebrated on Day 3.
What to wear to a Diwali party?
Tradition calls for wearing new clothes, symbolising renewal and good fortune.
Recommended attire:
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Women: sarees, lehengas, salwar kameez, or dressy Indo-western outfits
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Men: kurtas, sherwanis, or formal Indian wear. Bright colours like gold, red, royal blue are considered auspicious.
What to bring to a Diwali party?
Respectful, culturally thoughtful gifts include:
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Indian sweets (mithai)
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Dry fruits or nuts
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Decorative candles or lanterns
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Flowers
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Small Lakshmi or Ganesha idols
Avoid alcohol unless you know it is welcome in the household.
How Diwali is celebrated across India today
The beauty of Diwali is that no two regions celebrate it exactly the same. While North India focuses on the homecoming of Lord Rama, Western India emphasises the worship of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, and in South India many communities honour Krishna’s defeat of Narakasura.
Across the country, families deep-clean their homes, buy new clothes to symbolise renewal, decorate their doorways with rangoli, and illuminate walls, courtyards, and balconies with rows of oil lamps. The original meaning of Diwali, “row of lights,” derived from the Sanskrit deepavali.
Modern celebrations also include community feasts, local temple rituals, exchanging sweets with loved ones, and bursting firecrackers to ward off negative spirits and welcome wealth and prosperity into the year ahead.
Deliciously authentic dining
Diwali also serves as an occasion to feast and you can expect to indulge on traditional delicacies, snacks and delectable sweets. Experience lavish vegetarian dishes with paneer, a type of fresh cheese widely used in Indian cuisine, samosas, pakoras and a large variety of desserts including the popular ladoo, jalebi, gulab, jamun and barfi. Indian desserts differ from those you typically find in other countries as they are considered heartier, using nuts or vegetables as a base along with sugar and milk – surely a treat for your taste buds.
Experience Diwali with Insight Vacations
On an Insight Vacations trip to India, you’ll appreciate the ancient traditions and modern innovations as we reveal India to you from the perspective of locals, including many inspiring people who are leaders in their communities. Experiencing Diwali live in the middle of it all will be an experience like none other.
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Plus receive latest offers, travel inspiration, and discover how your travels will make a positive impact. Together, WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. Subscribe NowAbout Alex Allen
Alex is the Editor of Insightful, and has over 10 years' experience as a writer and editor within the travel industry. In his professional travels, he has been all over the world – from road-tripping in Australia and New Zealand, to eating his way around the Canadian Maritimes and criss-crossing Italy from Sardinia to Emilia-Romagna.
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