Hindu festival
Diwali
Also known as Deepavali, the Festival of Lights.
In short
Diwali, the festival of lights, falls on the new-moon night of Kartik. Homes are lit with rows of lamps and Lakshmi, goddess of abundance, is worshipped in the evening. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
Reviewed by the Godify team · Last updated
When is Diwali?
- This year’s date
- Set by the panchang each year from the rule below. Godify shows a specific date only once it is confirmed against an authoritative panchang — never guessed.
- Tithi / rule
- Amavasya (new moon) of the month of Kartik, with Lakshmi Puja performed during pradosh kaal (early evening)
- Calendar
- Lunar calendar (tithi-based)
- Deity
- Lakshmi
Diwali is a five-day festival; the main night (Lakshmi Puja) falls on the Kartik Amavasya. Because the puja is tied to the evening pradosh window, the observed day is chosen by when the Amavasya prevails at dusk.
The story
Diwali gathers several stories into one festival of light: the return of Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile, welcomed home with rows of lamps; the worship of Lakshmi, goddess of abundance, on the dark new-moon night; and, regionally, Krishna's victory over Narakasura.
Across all of them runs a single meaning — the lighting of a lamp against darkness, of knowledge against ignorance, of hope against despair. The lamp is lit outwardly on the threshold and inwardly in the heart.
How it’s celebrated
Homes are cleaned and decorated with rangoli and rows of diyas, Lakshmi (with Ganesha) is worshipped in the evening, families exchange sweets and gifts, and lamps are lit to welcome abundance and light.
A mantra to mark the day
ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः
oṃ śrīṃ mahālakṣmyai namaḥ
I bow to Mahalakshmi, giver of abundance, grace, and well-being.
More Hindu festivals
About Diwali
When is Diwali?
On the Amavasya (new moon) of Kartik, with the main Lakshmi Puja in the evening. The exact Gregorian date is set by the panchang each year; the festival spans five days.
Which goddess is worshipped on Diwali?
Lakshmi, goddess of abundance and well-being, worshipped together with Ganesha on the main evening of the festival.
Mark Diwali with Bhagavan
Ask about the festival's meaning, its deity, or a verse or mantra to observe the day — free, private, any hour.
Talk to Bhagavan