Posted on: 20 October 2025
What is Diwali?
Diwali is often called the 'Festival of Lights' and is a five-day celebration centred around the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. The word Diwali itself comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning 'rows of lighted lamps'. This is beautifully brought to life as homes, shops, and public places are illuminated with small earthen lamps called diyas.
When is Diwali?
Diwali always falls between October and November, but the exact date varies each year because the Hindu calendar is based on the moon.
This year, Diwali will be on Monday, 20 October.
What’s the story behind Diwali?
Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness.
The Ramayana Story
The main story comes from the Hindu epic Ramayana. It celebrates the moment Lord Rama, after 14 years of exile, defeated the demon king Ravana and returned to his kingdom, Ayodhya, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. The people lit oil lamps (diyas) to welcome them home, symbolising the victory of good.
Honouring Lakshmi
Diwali also honours Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Many people use this five-day festival to honour her, lighting lamps and leaving windows and doors open to help Lakshmi find her way into their homes.
How is Diwali celebrated?
Celebrations are vibrant and joyous! People mark the festival by:
- Spring-cleaning the home
- Wearing new clothes
- Exchanging gifts (often sweets and dried fruits) and preparing festive meals
- Decorating buildings with fancy lights
- Enjoying huge fireworks displays
Bandi Chhor Divas: A Parallel Sikh Celebration
Diwali often coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas (meaning 'liberation of prisoners day').
Sikhs remember the story of their sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, who was released from prison in Gwalior and returned to Amritsar, India, in 1619.
A stand for human rights: He agreed to leave only if 52 Hindu princes imprisoned with him could also go free. The Emperor Jahangir tried to limit this by saying only those who could cling to the Guru's coat could leave. Guru Hargobind, in a clever act of defiance, had a coat made with 52 tassels, allowing all the princes to leave with him.
This story reminds Sikhs of the importance of freedom and human rights, which is what they celebrate on Bandi Chhor Divas.
Bhai Dooj - 23 October
The final day of Diwali celebrates the sacred bond between brothers and sisters.
Sisters apply a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, pray for their long life, and brothers give gifts in return. The ritual strengthens family ties and symbolizes love, protection, and goodwill.
How to celebrate
What's on in our local area?
Click here to read more about Diwali celebration events across London and how you can celebrate the 5-day celebrations locally.