Diwali/Deepavali in 2018

An important Hindu Festival observed as a public holiday in several countries

 Image credit: akhilesh

When is Diwali?

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, but they are essentially the same celebration.

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.

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.

India

Across India, the festival may last for several days and different regions may have holidays on these days.

Diwali in India in 2017
The most widespread holiday is 18 October, where Diwali is a holiday in Arunachal pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarah, Goa, Himachal pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Madhya pradesh, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tamil nadu, Telangana, Uttarakhand.

Diwali is celebrated on 19 October in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh.

How long until Diwali?
This holiday is today!
Dates of Diwali
Year	Weekday	Date
2020	Saturday	November 14th
2019	Sunday	October 27th
2018	Friday	November 9th
2017	Wednesday	October 18th
2016	Sunday	October 30th
Who observes Diwali?
Country Known as Date  Fiji Diwali 7 Nov  Guyana Deepavali 6 Nov  India (regional - see below) Deepavali 7 Nov  Kenya (regional - see below) Diwali** 7 Nov  Malaysia (regional - see below) Deepavali 6 Nov  Mauritius Diwali 7 Nov  Myanmar Deepavali 6 Nov  Singapore Deepavali 6 Nov  Sri Lanka Deepavali 6 Nov  Suriname Deepavali 7 Nov  Trinidad and Tobago Diwali 6 Nov