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Diwali

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Diwali or Deepavali is one of the most cherished Hindu festivals, celebrated around the world. The five-day holiday is often called the Festival of Lights, because “Diwali” is derived from “Deepavali,” which means row of Deepas (or diyas). During Diwali, Hindu families decorate their homes with diyas, exchange sweets, perform Pujas (devotional services), share meals with families and friends, dance, burst firecrackers, and wear new clothes. One of the most the popular stories associated with Diwali is the return of Shri Rama and Devi Sita to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and a momentous battle with Ravana of Lanka.

Happy Diwali from all of us here in the CoHNA Family.  Have you wondered what Diwali was all about?  Or how to explain it to your kids, co-workers or neighbors?

Watch our short and fun presentation on the significance of Diwali, how we celebrate it and when.

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How is Diwali Celebrated

For Hindus around the world, Diwali is an important time of connecting with the Divine, celebrating knowledge, expressing gratitude for life and all that we have been given, spending time with loved ones, eating delicious food, wearing new clothes, and celebrating with fireworks! Diwali is not only a popular festival for Hindus – Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists also celebrate the day.
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Download CoHNA Diwali Info Kit

When is Diwali Celebrated

 
Hindus follow a lunar calendar, so Diwali is not always on the same day of the Gregorian calendar every year. The festival typically lasts for five days, though several regions of India (and by extension the Hindu diaspora) may not celebrate all days. The third and main day of this festival is celebrated on the “Amavasya” or the night of the new moon, in the month of Karthika. In the Gregorian calendar, this usually falls between October 15 and November 15.
 

IN 2025, DIWALI WILL BE CELEBRATED ON OCTOBER 20. MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Diwali provides a rich and meaningful pause to turn inward and invoke the light of wisdom in our hearts. The victory represented in each of the stories told about Diwali is the victory in each of us.
 

Five Days of Diwali

For many Hindus, the Diwali festival is a five-day event, though several regions of India and the Hindu diaspora may not celebrate all days.

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Philosophy of Diwali

Diwali is not just a celebration of the physical lamps that devout Hindus light on this day. The light being referred to is sacred, divine, and powerful.

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Where is Diwali celebrated

Celebrated by Hindu communities wherever they live, Diwali is an official holiday in more than 13 countries. It is also an important day for Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs.

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“Celebration is the nature of the spirit. The ancient sages brought sacredness in every celebration, so that you don’t lose the focus in the hustle-bustle of the activity. Observing rituals and religious practices (called Puja) is simply showing one’s gratitude to the Divine. This brings depth to the celebration.” ~ Sri Sri Ravi Shankar