Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) दिवाली
Falls on Kartik Amavasya · usually October–November
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) is celebrated on Kartik Amavasya, usually in October–November. It is the most important festival for most Hindus — the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, and the welcoming of prosperity, health and good fortune.
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) at a glance
| Falls on | Kartik Amavasya |
| Usual month | October–November |
| Category | Diwali |
The story behind Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)
Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and his victory over Ravana, when the city lit rows of lamps to welcome him. It also honours Goddess Lakshmi, who is said to visit clean, well-lit homes on the new-moon night of Kartik.
Significance of Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)
It is the most important festival for most Hindus — the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, and the welcoming of prosperity, health and good fortune.
How Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) is celebrated
- Cleaning and decorating the home with diyas, lights and rangoli
- Lakshmi–Ganesh puja on the Amavasya evening
- Lighting rows of lamps and bursting (increasingly, low-noise) fireworks
- Exchanging sweets, gifts and good wishes
Regional variations
For many businesses it is the start of the financial new year (Chopda Pujan, Bestu Varas in Gujarat); Bengal worships Kali on this night; the South links it to Krishna’s defeat of Narakasura (Naraka Chaturdashi).
Festive foods of Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)
Traditional dishes prepared for Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) include a wide spread of sweets — kaju katli, soan papdi, laddu, chakli, mathri and namkeen.
Quick tips
- Perform Lakshmi puja during the pradosh/auspicious muhurat
- Clean and light the whole home; prefer eco-friendly celebrations
Choosing the muhurat on Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) falls on Kartik Amavasya. To choose an auspicious time on the day, open the muhurat planner for your city and check the day's choghadiya and the Rahu Kaal to avoid. For the exact date this year, see the panchang calendar, and for weddings or a housewarming near this festival, confirm the muhurat with a qualified pandit.
Hindu festival dates follow the lunar calendar and vary each year; regional traditions can differ by a day. For the exact date this year, confirm with your local panchang or pandit.
Common questions
When is Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) celebrated?
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) falls on Kartik Amavasya in the Hindu lunar calendar, usually in October–November. The exact Gregorian date changes each year — confirm with your local panchang or the panchang calendar.
Why is Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) celebrated?
Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and his victory over Ravana, when the city lit rows of lamps to welcome him. It also honours Goddess Lakshmi, who is said to visit clean, well-lit homes on the new-moon night of Kartik.
How is Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) observed?
Common observances include Cleaning and decorating the home with diyas, lights and rangoli; Lakshmi–Ganesh puja on the Amavasya evening; Lighting rows of lamps and bursting (increasingly, low-noise) fireworks; Exchanging sweets, gifts and good wishes.
How is Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) celebrated in different regions?
For many businesses it is the start of the financial new year (Chopda Pujan, Bestu Varas in Gujarat); Bengal worships Kali on this night; the South links it to Krishna’s defeat of Narakasura (Naraka Chaturdashi).
What foods are made for Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)?
Traditional dishes include a wide spread of sweets — kaju katli, soan papdi, laddu, chakli, mathri and namkeen.