Diwali Facts: A Guide To The Festival Of Lights

Diwali is one of those festivals that seems to sparkle from every angle. Lamps glowing on doorsteps, families gathering over mountains of sweets, fireworks booming into the night sky — and behind it all, centuries of stories and traditions. But how much do you really know about the Festival of Lights?

We've pulled together some of the most fascinating Diwali facts: from why it lasts five whole days, to the surprising places it’s a public holiday, and the quirky customs that make each region’s celebrations unique. Think of it as your pocket guide to the details that make Diwali a worldwide event.

And if you’re after the full story — legends, traditions, and fireworks explained in depth — you’ll find that in our guide Diwali and Fireworks: The Festival of Lights Explained.

For now, let’s get stuck into the facts that keep Diwali shining year after year.

Fact 1: Diwali Isn’t Just One Night

Despite the fireworks and fanfare on the “big night”, Diwali is a five-day festival. Each day has its own flavour and rituals, but the central theme runs through the lot: light over darkness, good over evil, a fresh start for homes and hearts.

Fact 2: The Name Literally Means “Row Of Lamps”

“Diwali” comes from Deepavali (or Devali), meaning row of lamps. Those lamps — diyas — are small clay cups filled with ghee or oil and a cotton wick. Lined up along doorways, balconies and garden walls, they create that signature golden glow. Think fairy lights, but timeless.

Fact 3: It’s Celebrated By More Than Hindus

Diwali is widely observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and in parts of Nepal by Buddhists (Newar communities). The stories differ, but the message is shared: light, renewal, community.

Fact 4: The Five Days Have Distinct Meanings

You’ll hear different names across regions, but a common pattern runs like this:

• Dhanteras (new purchases and auspicious beginnings),

• Naraka Chaturdashi/Chhoti Diwali (sweeping out negativity),

• Lakshmi Puja on the new-moon night (the main celebration),

• Govardhan Puja/Annakut (gratitude, food “mountains”),

• Bhai Dooj (siblings celebrating each other).
  No tables needed — just remember: ramp-up, big night, thankful feast, family finish.

Fact 5: Edinburgh's Diwali Celebrations Are Legendary

Edinburgh hosts one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India. It's cultural performances and fireworks make it a national fixture and a brilliant introduction for anyone new to the festival.

Fact 6: It’s A Public Holiday In Several Countries

Beyond India, Diwali is a public holiday in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and more. Wherever South Asian communities have put down roots, Diwali tends to follow — suitcases full of sweets optional.

Fact 7: Lakshmi Likes A Tidy House

One charming belief says the goddess Lakshmi visits the cleanest, brightest homes first. Cue an absolute blitz on dust bunnies, followed by diyas, lanterns and an open door (metaphorically — you can keep the actual one locked).

Fact 8: Rangoli Says “Welcome In”

Those intricate floor designs made from coloured powders, rice or flower petals? That’s rangoli. It’s art with purpose: a warm welcome for guests and deities alike, and a statement that beauty has as much place in daily life as utility.

Fact 9: The Date Moves Every Year

Diwali lands on the new-moon night (Amavasya) of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, so it falls between mid-October and mid-November. If you like your diaries neat and predictable, this one will keep you on your toes.

Fact 10: Different Regions, Different Names

In South India, you’ll often hear Deepavali. In Nepal, the festival is known as Tihar (and has its own delightful twists). The core meaning travels; the local colour shifts slightly wherever it lands.

Fact 11: Goa And Konkan Burn A Demon At Dawn

In Goa and the Konkan region, effigies of Narakasura are paraded and burned the morning after Diwali’s main night, marking the demon’s defeat. It’s a spectacular sunrise send-off.

Fact 12: Gujarat Starts Its Financial Year

Shopkeepers in Gujarat traditionally open new ledgers around Diwali (look for the phrase Labh Pancham a few days later). Fresh accounts for a fresh start — spreadsheets never felt so spiritual.

Fact 13: Siblings Get A Dedicated Day

Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond between siblings. Sisters pray for their brothers’ wellbeing, and brothers — ideally — show up with gifts. It’s affectionate, ceremonial, and a gentle reminder to ring home.

Fact 14: Yes, There’s A Tradition Of A Little Flutter

In some regions, card games and friendly gambling during Diwali are thought to invite luck for the year ahead. Keep it light, keep it friendly, and treat it like a festive spice — a little goes a long way.

Fact 15: The Golden Temple Glows For A Reason

For Sikhs, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, when Guru Hargobind Ji was released from captivity. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is famously illuminated — a breathtaking sight if you ever get the chance.

Fact 16: Sweets Rule (Dentists Cope)

Diwali sweets (mithai) are unapologetically sugary: laddoos, kaju katli, jalebi, gulab jamun, and more. They’re shared with neighbours, friends and colleagues, often in handsome boxes. Balance with samosas and pakoras if you like, but the sugar wins on points.

Fact 17: New Clothes, New Start

Buying new clothes at Diwali is about symbolism as much as style — renewal you can wear. Expect bright colours, rich fabrics, and embroidery that gives the fairy lights a run for their money.

Fact 18: Lamps Aren’t Just Clay These Days

Traditional diyas remain popular, but you’ll also see candles, lanterns (akash kandil in Maharashtra) and LED strings. Modern kit; same message: turn the lights on — literally and metaphorically.

Fact 19: Marigolds And Mango Leaves Mean “Good News”

Doorways dressed with marigold garlands and mango-leaf torans are a common sight. Beyond looking festive, they signal purity, prosperity and welcome. Like hanging up a wreath, but sunnier.

Fact 20: Fireworks Symbolise More Than Noise

Fireworks at Diwali are rooted in the idea of banishing darkness and negativity with light and sound. The modern reading is simpler: shared joy that makes your street feel like a stage. Debates about noise and smoke continue, but the cultural link to light is the heart of it.

Fact 21: Tihar In Nepal Has Delightful Twists

During Tihar, animals are honoured on different days — including Kukur Tihar, when dogs are garlanded and fed special treats. If that doesn’t make you smile, you need another laddoo.

Fact 22: Business Meets Blessings

You’ll often see Lakshmi Puja performed not just at home but in shops and offices, with account books and tills blessed for prosperity. Consider it the spiritual cousin of cutting a ribbon.

Fact 23: Greetings Come In Many Flavours

You’ll hear “Shubh Deepavali”, “Happy Diwali”, “Diwali ki shubhkamnayein” and plenty more. Different languages, same sentiment: may your year be bright.

Fact 24: It’s A Harvest Marker Too

In many parts of India, Diwali marks the end of harvest. Communities give thanks for the year gone by and look ahead with optimism. It’s practical hope wrapped in celebration.

Fact 25: The Stories Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All

Rama’s return to Ayodhya, Lakshmi’s blessings, Krishna’s protection from the storm, Guru Hargobind Ji’s release, Mahavira’s liberation — Diwali carries multiple narratives that coexist. It’s a festival roomy enough for many truths.

Fact 26: Community Events Are The Norm Abroad

Outside India, Diwali often centres on temples, community halls and city-run celebrations. Expect performances, food stalls and, where permitted, fireworks. It’s a ready-made antidote to dark evenings.

Fact 27: Light First, Everything Else Second

If you strip it right back, Diwali is about light. Lamps on windowsills, candles on steps, lanterns on balconies, fireworks overhead. Whether you go big or keep it simple, the glow matters most.

Fact 28: DIY Or LED, Diyas Are Still Diyas

Purists swear by clay diyas filled with ghee. Others prefer reusable metal holders or LED tea lights for safety and convenience. There’s room for all sorts — the intention is what counts.

Fact 29: The Quiet Options Are Popular Too

Not every Diwali needs a thunderous sky. Fountains, flares and other low-noise fireworks keep things gentle for little ones, pets and neighbours. The magic is in the shimmer as much as the boom.

Fact 30: Deep Cleans Are Practically A Ritual

Pre-Diwali spring-cleaning is standard practice. Out with the clutter, in with the light. Marie Kondo would be thrilled.

Fact 31: There’s A Reason Food “Mountains” Appear

Annakut (literally “mountain of food”) celebrates gratitude and divine protection, especially linked to Govardhan Puja. Temples and homes alike build edible displays that would make any buffet blush.

Fact 32: The Diaspora Makes It Global

With South Asian communities spread across the world, Diwali has become a truly global festival — from Mauritius to Malaysia, London to Los Angeles. Same lamps, different postcodes.

Fact 33: Firecrackers Have Evolved

Discussions around air quality and noise have encouraged some families to choose quieter effects or join community displays. The heart of Diwali — light — carries on, whether that’s a garden sparkler or a city skyline finale.

Fact 34: Language Shifts, Spirit Stays

You’ll see the festival spelled Diwali, Deepavali, Devali. The spelling changes with language and region, the spirit doesn’t.

Fact 35: A Festival That’s Old — And Forever New

Diwali is ancient, but it adapts beautifully. New lamps, new recipes, new ways to gather — and the same old warmth you feel when the first diya is lit.

Diwali Facts About Fireworks And Lamps

A quick note to tie two crowd-pleasers together. Lamps are the quiet heartbeat of Diwali — steady, welcoming, intimate. Fireworks are the shout of joy — communal, spectacular, unmissable. If you want to understand the festival in one sentence: lamps say “come in,” fireworks say “we’re all in this together.”

Quick Fireworks Tips For Diwali At Home

• Order matters: start with gentle glows (candles, flares), build to cakes, finish with rockets.

• Space and safety: 8–25 metres is the usual guidance for consumer fireworks; read each label and give yourself room.

• Pace yourself: small pauses between shots make a modest selection feel like a show, not a scramble.

FAQs

How long does Diwali last?

Five days. The central celebration falls on the new-moon night, but the festival ramps up and winds down around it.

Is Diwali only for Hindus?

No. It’s observed by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, and celebrated by many others in communities worldwide.

Why are there so many sweets?

Sharing mithai symbolises goodwill and abundance. Also, they’re delicious. Balance with savouries if you must.

Do people always use fireworks?

Fireworks are traditional but optional. Many families prefer quiet effects or attend community shows.

Why does the date change each year?

It follows the Hindu lunisolar calendar and lands on the new-moon night, so the date shifts in the Western calendar.

One Last Thought

If you remember only a handful of Diwali facts, make it these: it’s shared across faiths, it stretches for five days, and it’s powered by light — tiny flames on a doorstep and great blossoms of colour overhead. The rest is delightful detail: sweets, stories, and the pleasant chaos of families doing what families do. As comforting as a brew on a cold evening, and twice as bright.