A Guide to Diwali Festival of Lights in India

Festivities vary throughout India and each region has its own particular traditions. However, there are a few customs and practices that all follow. People will clean their home, perform Lakshmi Puja and adorn their houses with clay lamps fuelled by oil (known as diyas). In these modern times candles and electric lights are often used in place of the more traditional oil lamps. Out on the streets firecrackers are set off and nightly firework displays take place.

Offerings and prayers are made to the goddess Lakshmi in hope she will grant wealth and prosperity, and at local temples joyful singing and dancing takes place. The floors of buildings and courtyards are decorated with rangoli artwork, intricate designs made from coloured rice, sand, powder and flower petals. The most popular pattern during Diwali is a lotus flower, on which Lakshmi is often depicted sitting upon or holding in her hand.

Diwali heralds the Hindu new year and therefore it's considered a good time to throw out old and unwanted items and purchase new clothes, gold and silver, as well as utensils for the house. It's a time to feast with family and friends, and share special sweets, dried fruit and gifts with others. Girls and women will adorn their hands with beautiful henna designs while men play three-card poker - known as Teen Patha in Hindi - in the hope they might win during this auspicious time of year.

As one of India's most widely celebrated events, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to places to visit for Diwali. Cities, towns and villages across the country will be decorated in light and rangoli artworks. If you're looking for somewhere extra special to enjoy Diwali, here is our pick of top five destinations in India:

• Jaipur - for special Diwali treats and market shopping
• Varanasi - for Diwali at its most spiritual
• Kolkata - for pious rituals and Kali Puja
• Amritsar - for grand Sikh temples illuminated at night
• Goa - for Diwali by the beach with demon effigies

Read on for more information about what each of these destinations have to offer at Diwali.

Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of Kartika in the Hindu calendar. For most of India, Kartika is the eighth month of the year and corresponds with the months of October/November in the Gregorian Calendar.

Forthcoming Diwali dates

2024 - Friday 1st November
2025 - Monday 20th October

Dates vary across the states of India.

Diwali has been celebrated since ancient times and each of India's major religions - Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism - assign a different significance to the special event. It is widely believed that the festival originated as a summer harvest festival with lamps and candles representing the sun, and the light and energy it provides. Over time legends began to be associated with Diwali, from the marriage of goddess Lakshmi with Lord Krishna to the return of Lord Rama from exile and his battle with Ravan.

The one thing that unites Diwali, wherever it may be celebrated, is the use of candles and lamps to light the dark. There is mention of this practice in a 7th century Sanskrit play while two centuries later an eminent poet refers to the tradition of homes being whitewashed in preparation of the Kartika new moon.

Despite being considered a Hindu festival, Diwali is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world. For Sikhs, Diwali coincides with the celebration of the release of the sixth Guru while for Jains it is a time to remember Lord Mahavir and his teachings.