If it’s time for vibrant colours, eye-popping fireworks, twinkling lights and delicious food, then it must be DIWALI.
Diwali (or Deepawali) is known as the “Festival of Lights” and is a five-day long Hindu festival widely celebrated in India and across the Indian diaspora, outside of India. In Canada, about 1.8 million people, including over 50,000 residents in the Ottawa area, celebrate Diwali.
The core of Diwali lies in its universal messages, which resonate across cultures and belief systems. Diwali represents the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. These themes are symbolized by lighting oil lamps, or diyas, in homes, temples and public spaces, illuminating the way toward wisdom, peace and positivity.
Diwali takes place annually and lasts for five days, marking the start of the Hindu New Year. The exact date changes each year and is determined by the position of the moon (Lunar calendar), but it usually falls between October and November.
This year, Diwali is being celebrated today on Thursday, October 31.
Diwali celebrations take place at home, in mandirs (local temples), gurudwaras, community centers and other gathering places. People light diyas or candles and decorate their homes with colorful lights and create “rangoli.”
Rangoli is a popular Diwali tradition—beautiful patterns made using colourful powders and flowers. People draw rangoli on the floor by the entrance of their homes to welcome the Gods and bring good luck!
Generally, Diwali is celebrated over five days with each day holding a special significance. People offer prayers and worship Goddess Lakshmi (prosperity and wealth) and Lord Ganesha (wisdom and fortune) to seek their blessing for happiness in their homes.
The origins of Diwali can be traced back to the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana. According to legend, Prince Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, returned to his kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. In celebration of this victory of good over evil, the people of Ayodhya illuminated the city with lamps.
For Sikhs, Diwali is significant with the observance of Bandi Chhor Diwas. This day is commemorated as the day of liberation for their Sixth Guru Hargobind Sahib ji and 52 princes from imprisonment. This year it’s being celebrated on November 1 at Gurdwara Sahib (Sikh Place of worship).
Jains observe Diwali to mark the day when Lord Mahavira attained moksha, or liberation, while Buddhists in the Newar community celebrate Diwali as a time of reflection and gratitude.
But it’s not just about lights and legends—Diwali is a time to have fun with friends and family! People exchange gifts and sweets, enjoy delicious feasts, watch firework displays and wear new clothes. It’s a time to clean and decorate your home, too.
Today, this fascinating festival is celebrated by thousands of people in countries all around the world. During Diwali, Hindus living outside India gather at places of worship called mandirs to leave offerings to deities, watch firework displays and eat yummy food together!
Fun fact: The city of Leicester, in the United Kingdom, holds the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India. Every year, tens of thousands of people gather in the streets to enjoy vibrant shows of light, music and dancing!
Diwali celebrations started in Ottawa as early as October 6 with events continuing every weekend until Mid-November. Some of these events are free and some have ticketed entry.
If you know someone who is celebrating Diwali, you may wish them “Happy Diwali!” or “Shubh Deepavali!”
