1 Billion People Mark Diwali in India and Global Diaspora
The festival, which falls on Nov. 8, involves religious observances, family gatherings, and the lighting of oil lamps across multiple faiths.
By Carlos Rousseau ·
More than one billion people across multiple faiths are celebrating Diwali in India and its diaspora. The festival, considered the most important of the year for Hindus, centers on prayers, family gatherings, and the lighting of fireworks. This year, the holiday falls on Nov. 8, following the Hindu lunar calendar that typically places the event in late October or early November.
The name Diwali derives from the word "Deepavali," which translates to "a row of lights." Participants place rows of traditional clay oil lamps outside their homes. These lamps symbolize the victory of light over darkness and the triumph of knowledge over ignorance. While the specific origin stories vary by region, the central theme remains the defeat of evil by good.
In northern India, the festival honors the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana after 14 years of exile. Worship in this region centers on the goddess Lakshmi, who represents wealth and prosperity. In southern India, the day celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Naraka. Many people in the south take an early morning bath with warm oil to symbolize purification in the holy River Ganges.
Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists also observe the holiday with distinct traditions. Jains mark the day as the date Lord Mahavira attained nirvana, freeing him from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas to commemorate the release of Guru Hargobind from Mughal imprisonment. Some Buddhists recognize the anniversary of Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism in the third century B.C.
Common practices across regions include wearing new clothes, feasting, and setting off firecrackers. Gambling is a popular tradition on Diwali night, driven by the belief that it ensures prosperity for the year. Many individuals purchase gold on Dhanteras, the first day of the festival, seeking good luck. Decorations often feature rangoli, which are geometric and floral patterns drawn on floors using colorful powders.
Community celebrations in North America featured large-scale events in 2026. Disney World in Florida hosted festivities with more than 500 dancers. New York City’s Times Square marked the 11th year of its Diwali celebration with international performers and a lighting countdown. Other events took place in Jersey City, San Francisco, and Vancouver. California became the third U.S. state to designate Diwali as an official state holiday last year.
