When is Diwali 2024? What you should know about the Hindu festival of lights

Light the lamps and bring out the shine, it's time for Diwali.

On Thursday, millions of Hindus and South Asians around the world will celebrate the Festival of Lights with parties, dinners, food and prayers.

“One of the most famous Hindu festivals, Diwali or Deepavali, commemorates the victory of good over evil for five days,” says the Hindu American Foundation. “The word refers to rows of diyas – or clay lamps – placed around houses and places of worship.”

Here's what you need to know about Diwali.

Diwali, the “Festival of Lights”

The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means “row of lights”. During the festival, lights are placed outside their homes to represent the light that protects against spiritual darkness and symbolizes good over evil.

“The light of these lamps symbolizes the enlightenment within all of us that can overcome the ignorance represented by darkness,” says the Hindu American Foundation.

The lights are also intended to honor and invite the goddess Lakshmi, who is associated with agriculture and abundance, to enter and bless her homes, temples and other public spaces, as Hindu belief states that Lakshmi will not enter a dark space, according to Smithsonian's National may Museum of Asian Art.

The festival, which spans five days, also marks the beginning of the new year in the Hindu calendar and celebrates the last rice harvest of the year, according to JSTOR.

For Sikhs, meanwhile, Diwali celebrates the sixth guru, who serves as a source of inspiration and symbol of freedom. The Guru was in prison and refused to leave prison without releasing the other 52 political prisoners. His release will be celebrated on Diwali day, along with the other political prisoners he fought for. While the reason for the celebration may vary, Sikhs also go to the gurdwara to pray and meditate, light diyas and set off firecrackers to commemorate the festival.

Originally a religious event, Diwali has over the years evolved into a festive occasion, similar to Christmas and Hanukkah, with people of all communities and religions attending to celebrate.

When is Diwali?

Diwali is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartik, which usually falls between mid-October and mid-November. According to the Hindu American Foundation holiday calendar, Diwali falls on October 31 this year.

The festival is celebrated over five days and Dhanteras, the preparation period leading up to the peak of Diwali on October 31, begins two days earlier, on October 29.

How is Diwali celebrated?

According to the Smithsonian, Diwali celebrations begin with devotees thoroughly cleaning their homes and surroundings in preparation for the arrival of the goddess. The next day, they decorate with clay lamps, candles and other lights and draw colorful patterns of flowers, powder, rice or sand on the floor, an artistic practice called rangoli that is said to bring good luck.

The main celebration takes place on the night of the third day, which marks the end of the Hindu calendar year. Devotees dress up in their finest outfits, make offerings to Lakshmi, light firecrackers and sparklers and enjoy a sweet feast.

Over the next two days, celebrations continue as people hold gatherings and visit family and friends to celebrate the New Year.

According to the Hindu American Foundation, for Hindus, Diwali is also a time for dana (charitable giving) and seva (selfless service).

Contributor: Michelle Shen, USA TODAY

Saman Shafiq is a featured news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

Diwali, the “Festival of Lights”

When is Diwali?

How is Diwali celebrated?

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