Diwali 2026: Date, History, Significance, Puja & Celebrations in India
Diwali Festival in India Diwali, also called Deepavali , is one of India's most important and joyful festivals. Popularly known as the Festival of Lights , it is celebrated with glowing diyas, colourful rangoli, prayers, sweets, decorations, and family gatherings. The festival carries a powerful message. Light is associated with knowledge and hope, while darkness represents ignorance and negativity. For this reason, Diwali is commonly seen as a celebration of the victory of good over evil and light over darkness . Although Diwali is celebrated throughout India, traditions are not identical everywhere. Different regions and communities have their own stories, rituals, foods, and customs connected with the festival. What Does Diwali Mean? The name Deepavali is traditionally understood as a "row of lamps." This meaning is reflected in the beautiful custom of lighting small earthen lamps, known as diyas. During Diwali, families place diyas around entrances, balconies, courtya...