When is Diwali (Deepavali)? Dates for 2019 to 2025
Diwali or Deepavali, also known as the "Festival of Lights," is the biggest festival in the Hindu Calendar, celebrated in early fall of each year; but when Divali occurs in the calendar changes every year. Spiritually, it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance. As the term "Festival of Lights" suggests, the celebration involves millions of lights illuminated from rooftops, doorways, and windows in thousands of temples and buildings all over the countries where the festival is observed.
Diwali: 2019–2025
Because Diwali is such a meaningful celebration, it is not uncommon for individuals to plan festivities years in advance. Diwali lasts five days, and the main celebrations are held on the third day. For planning purposes, here are the dates for the main celebrations for Diwali for the next few years:
2019: Sunday, October 27 (starts on October 25, ends on October 29)
2020: Saturday, November 14 (November 12–16)
2021: Thursday, November 4 (November 2–6)
2022: Monday, October 24 (October 22–26)
2023: Wednesday, November 7 (November 5–9)
2024: Friday, November 1 (October 30–November 3)
2025: Tuesday, 21 October (October 19–23)
Fast Facts: Diwali
Short Description: Diwali (or Deepavali) is a four- or five-day celebration in October or November each year, held in honor of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth.
Start Date, 2019: October 25
Main Celebration: October 27
End Date: October 29
Location: In India and throughout the diaspora
Fun Fact: The date changes each year because the festival is scheduled according to the lunar calendar: Diwali celebrates the new moon of the first lunar month, Kartik.
Fun Fact: Diwali is known as the festival of lights and is characterized by massive amounts of fireworks and firecrackers, to offset the cold dark nights of the coming winter.
The date to celebrate Diwali generally changes by a week to ten days every year. The reason Diwali's celebration date is different each year is that each of the Hindu calendars—there are several—is lunisolar, meaning they take into effect both the movements of the sun and the moon. A solar calendar (like the Gregorian one) has an average of 365.24 days. A lunar year varies in length, each month containing approximately 29.5 days (354 days) depending on the moon's movement with respect to the earth. In some months, a day needs to be dropped to correlate with a shorter lunar cycle.
The Hindu lunar calendar has two parts: dark (Krishna paksha or waning moon in Sanskrit) and light (Śhukla paksha or waxing moon), and the new moon (amavasya) always occurs in between the parts, typically on the 15th. Diwali falls on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik, which is the new moon day of the first month of the lunar year.
What is Diwali?
Deepavali means "a row of lights" in Sanskrit, and its origins were likely as an ancient harvest festival. Today it is the "festival of lights," attached to various mythological stories and explanations, particularly tales about Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The date of Deepavali on the new moon makes it the darkest night in the month of Kartik when the nights are cold, long, and dark: all the lights make that darkness easier to bear.
Diwali is typically a four- or five-day event, starting two days before the new moon and extending for two days afterward. It is traditionally a puja, or a celebration which worships, honors, and shows devotion to the divine. In India, while everyone celebrates Deepavali, people don't amass in public, but rather in small groups with their friends and families in homes, neighborhoods, and local temple communities. In the diaspora, all the countries in the world outside of the Indian subcontinent where Indian people have settled, Diwali is considered a public celebration open to Hindus and anyone else.
Large government-produced festivals are held in London, Sydney, Toronto, and Edinburgh, and they are often a showcase for Indian culture, music, dance, fashion, food, crafts, and fireworks. The huge amount of fireworks and firecrackers set off during the five days of Diwali have become an issue in many of the cities in India, to the point that ambient air and noise during Diwali are considered somewhat hazardous to health.
History of Diwali
The Diwali festival dates back to ancient times in India. It is mentioned in Sanskrit texts dating from the 4th century CE but was likely practiced for many hundreds of years before that. Although most important for Hindus, the festival is also observed by Jains, and Sikhs and some Buddhists. While different historical events are observed in different regions and by different faiths, Diwali represents the triumph of lightness over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance for all the cultures that celebrate it.
mportant Dates, Celebration, Significance And Puja Timings For Diwali
Happy Diwali 2018: The five days of the festival are Dhanteras, Chhoti Diwali, Badi Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. Diwali or Deepavali or as 'the festival of lights', as the festival is also known, is celebrated by lighting up public and private spaces alike, including houses and temples.
Diwali 2019 Date in India Calendar: Diwali, one of the most prominent festivals celebrated in India, indicates the triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil. This year it will be celebrated on October 27.
The festival of lights is observed on the day of ‘Amavasya’ or new moon, the 15th day of Kartik, according to the Hindi calendar. Starting at the end of the cropping season, it is often associated with wealth and happiness.
HISTORY
According to mythology, Diwali has been referred to as Deepapratipadutsava in the seventh century Sanskrit play Nagananda, in which newlywed couples were gifted lamps and other things in remembrance of Lord Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi’s marriage.
It has been referred to as Dipamalika in the ninth century work of the poet Rajashekhar, where traditions of homes being cleaned and decorated with lights are mentioned. There is also mention of the festival in Persian traveller and historian Al- Biruni’s 11th century memoir on India.
Today, many celebrate it in remembrance of the return of Lord Rama and Sita after 14 years of exile, while others honour the return of Pandavas after 12 years of vanvas and a year of agyatvas.
The festival, according to a popular legend, is also associated with the story of Yama and Nachiketa on Kartika amavasya — one that narrates the tale of true wealth, knowledge and right versus wrong. It is also one of the reasons why Diwali is celebrated as the festival of prosperity, wisdom and light.
Happy Diwali 2018: Themes of good versus evil and the victory of the light over the dark are celebrated
NEW DELHI: 
Image credit: akhilesh
Diwali is one of the most awaited festivals in the Hindu calendar. It is likely the most widely celebrated of all festivals among Hindus and this year, in 2018, it will be celebrated on November 7 in most parts of India. However, the festival will be celebrated in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu on November 6. Hindu expats in Singapore will also celebrate Diwali on November 6. The celebrations for Diwali usually last for five days. The third day is when main Diwali is celebrated.
The five days of the festival are Dhanteras, Chhoti Diwali, Badi Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. Diwali or Deepavali or as 'the festival of lights', as the festival is also known, is celebrated by lighting up public and private spaces alike, including houses and temples.
The themes of good versus evil and the victory of the light over the dark are celebrated in Diwali. Hindus celebrate the return of Lord Rama from his exile from Ayodhya. According to the Hindu calendar, Diwali falls under the month of Karthik. According to the Gregorian calendar, the festival occurs every year in either the month of October or November.
During Diwali, it is considered auspicious to buy new goods during the days preceding Diwali. People who celebrate Diwali clean and/or renovate their homes and repair and/or clean their furniture.
Diwali 2018: Family members then rejoice by indulging in exchange of gifts and sweets after conducting Lakshmi Pujan on the occasion of Badi Diwali (Representational)
In order to celebrate the festival of Diwali, it is declared as a public holiday by the government.
Here is a breakdown of all the important dates of Diwali 2018:
Dhanteras 2018: 5th November, 2018
Chhoti Diwali 2018: 6th November, 2018
Badi Diwali 2018: 7th November, 2018
Govardhan Puja 2018: 8th November, 2018
Bhai Dooj 2018 or Bhau Deej 2018: 9th November, 2018
Chhoti Diwali 2018: 6th November, 2018
Badi Diwali 2018: 7th November, 2018
Govardhan Puja 2018: 8th November, 2018
Bhai Dooj 2018 or Bhau Deej 2018: 9th November, 2018
Significance Of Diwali:
While the significance of Diwali varies from region to region in India, the most commonly accepted tradition is associated with the Hindu epic Ramayana, which concerns the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama. The Ramayana also said that the people of Ayodhya lit lamps and rejoiced the return of Rama, who was earlier sent on exile, back to Ayodhya after 14 years. Thus, the people traditionally celebrate the victory of 'good versus evil' in Diwali. Lord Rama was crowned the king of Ayodhya after he returned from exile.
Happy Diwali 2018: While the significance of Diwali varies from region to region in India, the most commonly accepted tradition is associated with the Hindu epic Ramayana, which concerns the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama (Representational)
Puja In Diwali:
The main day of Diwali celebrations, or Badi Diwali, which will be celebrated on 7th November, is also known as Lakshmi Pujan as Lakshmi, being the Goddess of Wealth, is worshipped. The muhurat or auspicious timing for conducting Lakshmi Pujan during Diwali 2018 will be between 5.57 pm and 7.53 pm.
Diwali Greetings: Diwali 2018 will be celebrated in November 7th. Happy Diwali!
The entire family usually gets together this time and recites prayers and holy songs in unison. Family members then rejoice by indulging in exchange of gifts and sweets after this.
Diwali Calendar (Year wise dates)
We present you with all the dates Diwali will have from 2015 till 2040. Hit ctrl+D to bookmark this page, and click here to share this page with your friends.
Diwali/Deepavali in 2019
An important Hindu Festival observed as a public holiday in several countries
Image credit: akhilesh
When is Diwali?
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The Festival of Lights is known as Deepavali (deep - lamp, vali - array). This is the name of the festival in Southern India and is how the festival is referred to in other Asian countries such as Malaysia and Singapore. In Northern India, it is more commonly known as Diwali. Other spellings of the festival include Divali and Dipavali.
In both countries and for Hindus around the world, the celebration revolves around the triumph of good over evil, purity over impurity, light over darkness. It is one of the most important Hindu festivals with over 800 million people celebrating the festival in various ways.
Why is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama, who was the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, from a fourteen year exile.
The Festival of Lights takes place on the darkest night (first night of the new moon) in the month of Kartik in the Hindu calendar.
Across India streets and temples are decorated with spectacular light displays and colorful garlands.
In their homes, people light small oil lamps called diyas. It is believed that deceased relatives come back to visit their families on Earth during this festival and the lights are a way to guide the spirits home. The sound of firecrackers exploding is common as the noise is said to drive away evil spirits.
Over 70% of all firecrackers used during Diwali come from the town of Sivaski in Tamil Nadu.
Families, friends and business associates exchange gifts and sweets, settle old business deals and are encouraged to rid themselves of hate, anger and jealousy.
The festival is a time for rejoicing and renewal.
Diwali holds significance not only in Hinduism but also in Sikhism who celebrate the release of their sixth Guru (literal translation: teacher) Hargobind. To Sikhs, it is known as Bandi Chhor Divas. The Jains celebrate it as the day when Lord Mahaveer, the last trithankara, attained Nirvana or Moksha.
The Five Days of Diwali
Diwali is a five day festival that straddles the new moon. Though widely celebrated across all of India, the days may have different names and have additional meanings in some parts of India, there is enough commonality to briefly describe each of the days:
Dhanteras
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five day festivities of Diwali. On this day, it is customary for people to clean their houses, so they are ready to welcome in Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, whose Puja is performed in the evening. This is an auspicious day and a lucky day for buying expensive goods, though it is also a day to consider charity for those less well off. Small clay lamps, called diyas are lit to drive away the shadows of evil spirits.
Naraka Chaturdashi
According to Hindu tradition, the demon Narakasura was killed by Lord Krishna on the second day. Marking the coming end of the year in some regions of India, customs on this day are about cleaning the slate before the start of a new year and getting rid of anything bad. People get up early and wash and put on clean or new clothes. In parts of Southern India, this day is celebrated as the main day of Deepavali.
Diwali
The third day is celebrated on the new moon in Kartik. In most parts of India, this is the most important day of the festival and is the last day of the year in many regions of India. On this day, Lord Rama rescued his wife, Sita, from the demon Ravana and returned home after along exile. Candles are lit to celebrate his victory, and to light his way home after the battle. In the evening, it may seem like the whole of India is lit by explosions as people set off many fireworks.
Balipadyami
The fourth day of Diwali is also the first day of the new year in the Vikram Samvat calendar and may also be known as Pratipada, Govardhan Puja or Annakut. Annakut means 'mountain of food', which is a giveaway that today is all about feasting. Tradition has it that on this day, Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to give shelter from torrential rains to local villagers. Today, Hindus prepare a great deal of food and take it to the temples to celebrate the beginning of the new year and give thanks to Krishna for his benevolence.
Bhai Bij
This is the fifth and last day of Diwali festival. This day celebrates the relationship between brother and sister. Read more about Bhai Bij
India
Across India, the festival may last for several days and different regions may have holidays on these days.
Diwali in India in 2018
The most widespread holiday is 7 November, where Diwali/Deepavali is a holiday in Andhra pradesh, Arunachal pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarah, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Madhya pradesh, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand.Diwali/Deepavali is also observed as a public holiday on 6 November and 8 November is some states.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, Diwali is known as Hari Diwali and is celebrated in the month of Aswayuja. It is a federal public holiday across Malaysia with the exception of the region of Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
Pakistan
In Pakistan, Diwali is sometimes declared as a public holiday for the Hindu community in Sindh province. Just less than 5% of the population of Sindh are Hindu.
When is Diwali in 2019, 2020 and 2021?
Diwali falls in either October or November each year, depending on the cycle of the moon. It's observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar.
- In 2019, Diwali is on October 27. (See calendar). It is observed a day earlier in south India, on October 26.
- In 2020, Diwali is on November 14.
- In 2021, Diwali is on November 4.
Diwali Dates Detailed Information
The Diwali festival actually runs for five days, with the main celebrations happening on the third day in most places in India.
Goddess Lakshmi is the primary deity that's worshiped, although each day has a special significance as follows.
- The first day (October 25, 2019) is known as Dhanteras. "Dhan" means wealth and "teras" refers to the 13th day of a lunar fortnight on the Hindu calendar. This day is dedicated to celebrating prosperity. Goddess Lakshmi is believed to have come out of the churning of the ocean on this day and she is welcomed with a special puja (ritual). In addition, gold is traditionally purchased, and people gather to play cards and gamble. Ayurvedic doctors also honor Dhanvantari, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who brought Ayurveda to mankind, on this day. There are a number of temples in Kerala and Tamil Nadu dedicated to Dhanvantari and Ayurveda.
- The second day (October 26, 2019) is known as Naraka Chaturdasi or Chhoti Diwali (small Diwali). Goddess Kali and Lord Krishna are believed to have destroyed the demon Narakasura on this day. Demon effigies are burned in Goa in celebration.
- The third day (October 27, 2019) is the new moon day known as Amavasya. This darkest day of the month is the most significant day of the Diwali festival in north and west India. Lakshmi is worshiped on this day, with a special puja performed in the evening. Goddess Kali is also usually worshiped on this day in West Bengal, Odisha and Assam (although Kali Puja sometimes falls a day earlier depending on the cycle of the moon).
- The fourth day (October 28, 2019) has various meanings across India. In north India, Govardhan Puja is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna defeated Indra, the god of thunder and rain. In Gujarat, it's celebrated as the start of a new year. In Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the victory of Lord Vishnu over demon king Bali is celebrated as Bali Pratipada or Bali Padyami.
- The fifth day (October 29, 2019) is known as Bhai Duj. It's dedicated to celebrating sisters, in a similar way that Raksha Bandhan is dedicated to brothers. Brothers and sisters get together and share food, to honor the bond between them.
More Information About Diwali
Find out more about the meaning of the Diwali festival and how it's celebrated in this Essential Diwali Festival Guide, and see pictures in this Diwali Photo Gallery.
Wondering where's best to join in the Diwali celebrations? Take a look at these diverse Ways and Places to Celebrate Diwali in India.