Diwali is a five-day Hindu festival known as the "Festival of Lights" that celebrates the victory of light over darkness. It is celebrated in early autumn based on the lunar calendar, falling between mid-October and mid-November. The main celebrations involve performing puja (prayers) for Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity; decorating homes with diyas (oil lamps), rangoli designs, and lights; sharing feasts with family and friends; lighting fireworks; and exchanging gifts. Diwali commemorates historical events including the return of Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and the killing of the demon Narakasura

1. From Hindu Parents Network
A celebration of victory of light over darkness in your community, schools & offices
www.hinduparentsnetwork.org
DIWALI - Twinkle of Diyas

2. WHAT IS DIWALI?
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Derived from “Deepavali” → ROW OF LIGHTS.
Often called the “Festival of Lights”
For many Hindus, the Diwali festival is a five-days event. For
others, it is a four, two or one-day of celebration
One of the most cherished Hindu festivals. Jains, Sikhs
and some Buddhists also celebrate the day.
Diwali is a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness and Satya
(Truth) over Asatya (Untruth)

3. How is Diwali Celebrated?
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Perform puja of to deity/deities
They decorate their homes with Rangoli (designs made with
colored powders)
Light many diyas (oil lamps) inside & outside their homes
Deep Cleaning
Diyas (Lamps)
Decoration
Delicious Food
New Clothes
Fireworks
Devotional Worship

4. Why is Diwali Celebrated?
Historically
Diwali is a celebration that commemorates the homecoming of Shree Rama, Devi Sita, and
Shree Laxmana to Ayodhya. They had spent fourteen years in exile and successfully defeated
Ravana of Lanka.
Spiritually
Diwali is a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness, Satya (truth) over Asatya (untruth),
and knowledge over ignorance.

5. When is Diwali Celebrated?
Based on the Lunar calendar → so, not on the same Gregorian day,
each year
Usually falls between October 15th & November 15th in the
Gregorian calendar
The festival typically lasts for five days, though several regions of
India and some Hindu diaspora may not celebrate all days
The 3rd & main day of Diwali is celebrated on the night of the New
Moon (Amavasya)

6. Five Days of Diwali
Day 1 ⇒ Dhanteras/Ganga Puja
5
Days
of
Day 2 ⇒ Naraka Chaturdashi
Day 3 ⇒ Laxmi Puja
Day 4 ⇒ Govardhan Puja/Balipadyami
Day 5 ⇒ Bhai Dooj

7. Day 1 - Dhanatrayodashi (Dhanteras)
Wealth is worshipped
Fruits of the last harvest enjoyed
New purchases are also made - stimulating the local economy
The community gathers with a festive spirit
Dhanvantari - the Vaidya (physician) to the gods - came
out of the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) with
Amrut (nectar of immortality).

8. Day 2 - Naraka Chaturdashi
Marks the day when the evil king Narakasura was killed by Shree Krishna
and his wife Satyabhama, thus freeing 16,000 women held in captivity
Also known as “Choti Diwali” (small Diwali)
During Naraka Chaturdashi, homes are decorated with oil lamps called
Diyas, and rangoli patterns are created on the floor using colored
powders.

9. Day 3 - Lakshmi Puja
The main day of Diwali festival
Special offerings are made to Goddess Lakshmi
Devotees ask for the blessing of prosperity & wealth
It falls on the new moon night of darkness - Amavasya

10. Day 4 - Gau/Govardhan Puja
Marks the victory of Krishna over Indra, a victory of
benevolence over jealousy and greed.
Is a time when devotees offer a
mountain of food, called the Annakoot.
Is a day of charity, with donations
made in the form of food.
Is an ecologically focused celebration,
where Hindus plant trees and tend to
animals.

11. Day 5 - Bhai Dooj
“Brother’s Day” celebrates the bond between siblings
Traditionally, on this day, sisters invite their brothers for a lavish meal and
perform a Tilak ceremony
Sisters pray for their brother’s long and happy life while brothers give gifts
to their sisters and promise to protect them and stand by them

12. Diwali Around the WORLD
Suvarna Mandir (Golden Temple), Amritsar, India
Indonesia
Little India, Singapore
Trafalgar Square, London, UK
Lam Kriyongh, Thailand
World Trade Center,
New York

13. How to celebrate Diwali
Puja Rangoli
Food and
Feasting
Fireworks

14. You can find local events related to
Hindu Heritage Month on this website
HERE.
For additional resources, visit
https://diwali.day
Contact us to learn more about HPN:
https://hinduparentsnetwork.org/