Celebrate the festival of lights for Diwali 2024!

This year, the celebration of Diwali will begin on 1 November 2024 and last for five days. Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is a festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists.

What is Diwali?

Diwali, or the festival of light, is an important religious holiday. Originating from India, Diwali is named ‘row of lights’ because of the creation and lighting of clay lamps every year.

The exact date of the annual celebration can vary, however it always falls between October and November as it is based on the moon.

The history of Diwali

With a history that dates back more than 2,500 years, the origins of Diwali can differ depending on the many communities that observe the celebration. There is a common theme that unites them all though, which is the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and new beginnings.

Diwali celebrations vary based on region and tradition. For most Hindus, the main custom is lighting Diyas (small oil lamps) on the night of the new moon to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. These lamps are place in rows along the parapets of temples, houses, and streets as well as on bodies of water.

In the north and west of India, Diwali represents the homecoming of Lord Rama to Ayodhya and his efforts to defeat the demon, Ravana. This is where the tradition of lighting Diyas comes from, as it commemorates the return journey of Rama and Sita from Lanka to north India.

In the south, Diwali is often celebrated as a one-day festival called Deepavali or Naraka Chaturdashi. Naraka Chaturdashi marks the triumph of good over evil and the banishing of darkness from the world.

How to celebrate Diwali

Throughout the festival there are many ways that those celebrating Diwali commemorate this joyous occasion. The lighting of lamps is of significance, which is often combined with the act of leaving windows and doors open to help Lakshmi find her way into people homes. Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and a protector of life on earth.

It is also custom to spring clean the home, wear new clothes, and exchange gifts that are often made up of sweets and dried fruit.

One of the most colourful aspects to celebrating Diwali is the creation of Rangolis in the home. This is a traditional Indian art form that uses coloured sand and marble dust to create beautiful geometric designs, and can be found on the floors of homes to amplify good luck. Rangolis represent happiness, positivity within the household, as well as welcoming the Lakshmi. 

How to wish someone a happy Diwali

If you would like to send some well wishes to someone commemorating Diwali, then there are some phrases and greetings you can use. You can say “have a blessed, healthy and prosperous Diwali” or “wishing you and your family very happy and prosperous Diwali”.

We hope all students, alumni, staff and partners celebrating this November have a happy and prosperous Diwali!