Diwali, also known as Deepawali, lights up the calendar each autumn, typically in October or November. This five-day festival is a jubilant celebration of the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Join millions worldwide in lighting diyas, sharing sweets, and embracing new beginnings.
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Expected Diwali Deals
Diwali is a major shopping season, and while we await official 2027 promotions, history shows robust deals across categories. Expect significant discounts on electronics from retailers like Amazon India and Flipkart, as well as special offers on traditional wear from brands such as Manyavar and Fabindia. Jewelry stores like Tanishq often roll out exclusive collections and promotions. Sweet shops like Haldiram’s and chocolate brands like Cadbury will feature festive gift packs. Food delivery services like Swiggy and Zomato typically offer discounts on family meals. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 8 approaches.
Platform Guide for Diwali
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #Diwali. Share vibrant photos of your diyas, rangoli, and festive outfits. Engage with creators showcasing traditional recipes and decor.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #Diwali. Film short videos of your family’s celebrations, from lighting lamps to preparing sweets. Showcase unique cultural traditions.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #Diwali. Share community events, traditional stories, and photos of your local celebrations.
Diwali Hero
Lord Rama
History of Diwali
The beauty of Diwali is that it is not limited to the celebration of just one historical event. Each religion remembers different stories and historical events behind it. Hindus honor the return of their religious deities Sita and Rama to Ayodhya, following an exile of 14 years. The day when Goddess Mother Durga destroyed the demon Mahisha is also celebrated. The festival of lights also honors the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the form of Ramachandra.
Sikhs also celebrate the release of their sixth guru, Hargobind Singh, from prison in 1619. Remarkably, the foundation stone of the holiest place for Sikhs, the Golden Temple of Amritsar, was embedded in 1577 on Diwali. For Jains, Lord Mahavira, the founder of their religion, called Jainism, reached the state of Nirvana or Moksha on the occasion of Diwali.
Regardless of the events or religion surrounding it, Diwali brings with it happy tidings and a promise of a better tomorrow. People zealously light lamps in their houses and throw grand feasts to celebrate happiness, good times, and good fortune. Purity, cleanliness, and brightness are all synonymous with Diwali. The new harvest and new financial year in the business community also begins on this occasion.
Diwali festivities last five days. On the first day, people clean their houses and buy kitchen utensils or gold as a sign of good fortune. On the second day, colorful decorations and clay lamps are furnished. Day three, the main day of Diwali, brings families together for Lakshmi pooja, during which they praise the Goddess Lakshmi and host grand dinners. The same festivities then continue on days four and five, with the exchange of gifts and welcoming families and friends into homes.
Diwali timeline
"Nagananda," a Sanskrit play, refers to Deepavali when lamps are lit and brides and grooms receive gifts.
Portuguese traveler Domingo Paes documents his Diwali experience with the Hindu Vijayanagara Empire.
Diwali festivities come to The Met, New York with a grand performance.
A law allowing only two hours for fireworks is passed due to safety concerns.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Diwali
Local businesses can embrace Diwali by decorating their premises with traditional lamps and festive motifs, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Restaurants can offer special Diwali menus featuring traditional sweets and savory dishes. Retailers might curate gift hampers with Indian-themed products or run promotions on items popular during the festival. Engaging with local Indian community groups for cultural events or sponsoring a Diwali celebration can also foster goodwill and connection.
Diwali FAQs
When is Diwali?
In 2026, Diwali begins on Sunday, November 8. This auspicious day marks the height of the five-day festival, celebrated with great fervor and tradition.
How many people celebrate Diwali?
Diwali is celebrated by over a billion people worldwide, primarily Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. It is one of the most widely observed festivals globally, uniting diverse communities.
What does Diwali symbolize?
Diwali primarily symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is a time for spiritual reflection, renewal, and celebrating new beginnings.
Is Diwali a federal holiday in the U.S.?
Diwali is not a federal holiday in the U.S., meaning government offices and most businesses remain open. However, its observance is growing, with many schools now recognizing it.
Diwali Activities
Feast and have fun with loved ones!
It is not just about legends and lights. Diwali is a celebration of love and having fun with family and friends! Exchange gifts, host delicious dinners, or watch firework displays together. Go all out!
Make fabulous displays
Fresh flowers, colorful sand rangolis, and bright clothes! Shop and display your artistic abilities!
Count your blessings!
On this day, the Hindu Goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi, is meant to be appeased and worshipped for her blessings.
5 Illuminating Facts About Diwali
Good vs. evil
Ultimately, Diwali stands as a celebration of light taking over darkness, the timeless triumph of good over evil.
It is like Christmas!
Diwali is the most important holiday celebrated by Hindus — it is the equivalent of Christmas and New Year!
Ban on bang bangs!
The government of India had to ban the sale of firecrackers and sparklers during Diwali in recent years due to an increase in accidents and pollution.
The sweetest thing
Assorted sweets and special treats are a specialty of the occasion of Diwali — these include delectable 'gulab jamun' balls and 'barfi.'
Taking over the world
The festival has increased in popularity outside India, with annual celebrations taking place in communities in London, Sydney, and Toronto.
Why We Love Diwali
The festival is just so lit
No matter how old we get, we are always going to watch in awe at a good display of fireworks. Diwali lights up the streets with candles and lamps and this is the one night when the stars are not the only things lighting up the skies!
Music and dance galore
Laughter, music, and celebrations surround everyone on this joyous occasion. This week-long grand festivity brings with it the most spectacular entertainment.
Positive vibes only
Diwali is all about positivity and we are all for it! Love, peace, good food, family, friends, and just letting the good times roll — this is the spirit of Diwali, instilling good feelings and hope for a better tomorrow.
Diwali dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 20 | Monday |
| 2026 | November 8 | Sunday |
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