Diwali Festival [2022]: How to enjoy the festival + significance!

Diwali is a five-day festival that commemorates the victory of good over evil and is one of India's most widely celebrated festivals.It’s also known as the "Festival of Lights." because traditionally, Diwali is celebrated by lighting candles and setting off fireworks.

The festival is an important time for Hindus to worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

For Hindus living outside India, Diwali is often a time to come together with family and friends to celebrate their heritage and culture. 

Unlike Hermanus Whale Festival, Burning Man Festival, or Osheaga Music Festival, Diwali is a religious festival commonly celebrated by Hindus worldwide. So, if you're looking to learn more about this popular festival, read on for everything you need to know about Diwali!

What Is The Diwali Festival?

Diwali is one of the most popular festivals in India.

The word "Diwali" means "row of lights," which is why it’s traditionally celebrated by lighting candles and setting off fireworks. 

Diwali is a five-day festival, and each day has its own special meaning:

Day one

People clean their homes and businesses on the first day to prepare for the festival.

Day two

The second day is reserved for worshiping the god Ganesh. 

Day three

The third day is when families get together to celebrate. 

Day four

On the fourth day, people go on picnics and visit friends and relatives. 

Day five

And on the fifth day, people exchange gifts and enjoy feasts with their loved ones.

Diwali is a time to come together and celebrate life, and it's a festival enjoyed by people of all ages.

Why Is The Diwali Festival Celebrated?

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of India's most eagerly anticipated celebrations. 

The five-day festival commemorates the return of Lord Rama from exile after he defeated evil in the form of king Rama. According to legend, when Lord Rama returned home, he was greeted by his subjects, who lined the streets with candles and lanterns, lighting up his path. 

Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance for Hindus. It’s also a time to come together with family and friends, rejoice in each other's company, and give thanks for all we have been blessed with.

With it's rich history and significance, Diwali is celebrated by Hindus as well as Sikhs, and Jains worldwide with feasts, fireworks, and prayer. For many, it’s a time to catch up with family and friends, exchange gifts, and enjoy special meals. 

The festival of Diwali also has great significance for businesses and traders, who mark the start of the new financial year during this period. In recent years, Diwali has become a truly global celebration enjoyed by people of all faiths and cultures.

When Is The Diwali Festival Celebrated?

The festival falls on the 15th day of Kartika in the Hindu calendar, which typically falls between mid-October and mid-November on the Western calendar. 

This year, Diwali will be celebrated from October 24-28. 

The dates may vary slightly from year to year, depending on the lunar cycle. But, one thing remains constant: Diwali is always a time for joy, laughter, and love. So go out and celebrate! 

Why Is Diwali Called The Festival Of Lights?

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated all over India with great joy and excitement. 

The word 'Diwali' comes from the Sanskrit word 'Deepavali', which means 'row of lamps. On this special day, people light rows of lamps called deeyas in their homes to symbolize the triumph of good over evil and the light of knowledge over ignorance. 

What Should You Bring To The Diwali Festival?

If you're lucky enough to celebrate Diwali this year, you might wonder what you should bring to the festivities. 

Here are a few ideas:

Wear Blue

Wear something festive! Hindus believe blue is a bright color, so consider wearing a blue sari or kurta. 

Or, if you want to go all out, you can wear traditional Indian clothes like a lehenga or sherwani.

Gifts

Exchanging gifts with your friends and family is customary during Diwali. If you're stumped on what to give, why not give the gift of food? 

Indians love sweets, so a box of handmade chocolates or a tin of cookies would be much appreciated. Or, you could give a traditional gift like gold jewelry or a watch.

Bring Cash for Gambling fun and games!

Don't forget to bring some cash with you. 

Many Diwali celebrations involve gambling, so it's always good to have some money on hand if you want to join in the fun!

Whatever you do, make sure you have a great time celebrating Diwali!

Cool Things About Celebrating Diwali

There's something special about celebrating Diwali. Maybe it's the lights or the air of festivity that seems to permeate everything. Whatever it is, it's worth taking the time to celebrate. Here are a few cool things about Diwali that make it such a special occasion:

The lights 

One of the best things about Diwali is all the lights. Houses, temples, and public spaces are decorated with colorful lights, making everything look so pretty. 

It's a great time to take lots of photos and enjoy the beauty of the lights.

The food

Another great thing about Diwali is all the delicious food available. From traditional sweets and snacks to more elaborate feasts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

Make sure you try as many different dishes as you can!

The celebrations

Of course, no festival would be complete without some fun and festivities. 

During Diwali, there are lots of opportunities to enjoy music, dance, and other performing arts. There are also fireworks shows and other attractions to enjoy. 

Get involved and take advantage of all the excitement!

Top Tips For The Diwali Festival

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of India's most auspicious celebrations. 

Here are some top tips for making the most of this special occasion, wherever you are in the world.

Get involved in the preparations

Diwali is a time for coming together as a community, and everyone has a role to play in the preparations. 

Whether you're helping to make sweets or decorations or simply lending a hand with the clean-up afterward, getting involved will add to the feeling of festivity and camaraderie.

Dress up

One of the best things about Diwali is that it's an excuse to dress up in your finest clothes. Women usually wear brightly colored sarees or salwar kameezes, while men opt for Kurtas. Make an effort to look your best, and you'll be sure to enjoy the festivities all the more.

Spend time with family and friends

The main event on Diwali night is spending time with loved ones. Whether you're sharing a meal, playing games, or simply chatting, take advantage of this opportunity to catch up with people you might not have seen for a while.

Take part in traditional activities

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Diwali is taking part in traditional activities such as lighting lanterns or setting off fireworks. Even if you're not religious, these activities can help you feel connected to the festival's spirit.

Give gifts

Another essential element of Diwali is giving gifts to friends and family members. This doesn't have to be expensive - even a small token will be appreciated. What's important is that it comes from the heart.

5 important Items to pack for Diwali

If you're traveling to India for Diwali this is a useful checklist that can inspire you when you’re packing for your trip:

Modest clothing

It's essential to dress modestly and respectfully. While you don't need to wear traditional Indian clothing, avoiding revealing or suggestive outfits is a good idea. 

Ear plugs

Diwali is a noisy festival, so be prepared for many noise-makers and fireworks. If you're not a fan of loud noises, you might want to bring earplugs. 

Gifts

Diwali is a social festival, so expect to be invited to plenty of parties and gatherings. Think of what gifts you could bring to give to your host.

Cash

Don't forget to bring cash just in case you want to join in some gambling fun!

Essential items

Make sure you bring all your necessities such as toiletries and medication. Many businesses close down for the festival, so finding places to buy things can be challenging.

With these tips in mind, you will surely have a wonderful time at Diwali.

Plan a trip to India and enjoy Diwali like never before!

Diwali is a time of year when families and friends come together to celebrate, eat good food, and enjoy each other's company. 

If you're looking for a way to experience the festival firsthand, then it’s time to plan a trip to India! Check out Pilot—our travel planner, to help you plan your perfect trip.