What is Diwali and why is it celebrated? What to know about the Hindu festival of lights
Light up those lamps and bring out the sparkle, it's time for Diwali.
On Thursday, millions of Hindus and South Asians across the world will celebrate the Festival of Lights with parties, dinners, food and prayers.
"One of the most celebrated Hindu festivals, Diwali or Deepavali commemorates the victory of good over evil during the course of five days," the Hindu American Foundation says. "The word refers to rows of diyas — or clay lamps — which are put all around homes and places of worship."
Here's what you need to know about Diwali.
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Diwali the 'Festival of Lights'
The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means "row of lights," which devotees light outside their homes during the festival to represent the light that guards against spiritual darkness and symbolize good over evil.
"The light from these lamps symbolizes the illumination within all of us, which can overcome ignorance, represented by darkness," the Hindu American Foundation says.
The lights are also meant to honor and invite the goddess Lakshmi, who is associated with agriculture and abundance, to enter and bless their homes, temples, and other public spaces because Hindu belief holds that Lakshmi cannot enter a dark space, according to Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art.
The festival, that is spread over a period of five days, also marks the beginning of the new year in the Hindu calendar, and celebrates the year’s last rice-crop harvest, as per JSTOR.
For Sikhs, meanwhile, Diwali celebrates sixth Guru, who serves as a source of inspiration and a symbol for freedom. The guru was in prison and refused to leave prison without the other 52 political prisoners being released. The day of Diwali celebrates his release, along with the other political prisoners he fought for. While the reason behind the celebrations may be different, to commemorate the festival, Sikhs will also go to the Gurdwara to pray and meditate, light diyas and set off fireworks.
Initially a religious event, Diwali has evolved over the years into a festive occasion, much like Christmas and Hannukah, with people of all communities and religion joining in to celebrate.
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When is Diwali?
Diwali is celebrated during the Hindu month of Kartik, which typically falls between the middle of October and the middle of November. This year, Diwali falls on October 31, according to the Hindu American Foundation's holiday calendar.
The festival is celebrated over five days and dhanteras, the preparation period leading up to the peak of the Diwali on Oct. 31, begin two days earlier on Oct. 29.
How is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali celebrations begin by devotees deep cleaning their homes and surroundings to prepare for the goddess' arrival, as per Smithsonian. The next day, they decorate using clay lamps, candles and other lights and draw colorful patterns of flowers, powder, rice or sand on the floor, an artistic practice called rangoli meant to bring good luck.
The main celebration takes place on the night of the third day, which marks the end of the Hindu calendar year. Devotees dress up in their finest outfits, make offerings to Lakshmi, light fireworks and sparklers, and enjoy a sweet feast.
Over the next two days the celebrations continue as people host gatherings and visit family and friends to celebrate the new year.
For Hindus, Diwali is also a time for dana (charitable giving) and seva (selfless service), according to the Hindu American Foundation.
Contributing: Michelle Shen, USA TODAY
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is Diwali 2024? What to know about Hindu festival of lights
