Diwali Explained: The Traditions of the Festival of Lights

A single flame in a clay lamp, then another, then a whole row of them along a windowsill. That’s the image at the heart of Diwali, whose name comes from the Sanskrit “dipavali”, a row of lights. Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists celebrate it, and each community brings its own meaning and customs. Whether you’re marking it away from home for the first time, or your flatmates are and you’d like to understand, here’s what the festival holds.

When is Diwali 2026?

The main day is Sunday 8th November 2026. Diwali spans five days, and because calendars and locations differ, a given day may be marked a day apart from one family or temple to the next.

What Stories Does Diwali Honour?

Several, and they belong to different traditions. In North India, Hindus celebrate Rama’s return to Ayodhya after his victory over Ravana, while in South India the festival recalls Krishna’s defeat of the demon Narakasura. Jains commemorate the liberation of Mahavira, the lamps honouring the light of his knowledge. For Sikhs, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, the release of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, from Gwalior Fort in 1619, together with 52 Hindu princes he would not leave behind.

Why Are Diyas at the Centre of the Festival?

Lighting diyas, small earthenware lamps filled with oil, is the most widespread Hindu custom of Diwali. On the main night, many families leave doors and windows open so that Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and good fortune, may find her way in.

What Is Rangoli?

Rangoli is an intricate floor design made from coloured rice, sand or flower petals, laid on the floors of homes as part of the festival’s preparations.

How Do the Five Days Unfold?

Dhanteras opens the festival, a day for cleaning the home and buying small gold items. Naraka Chaturdashi, also called Choti Diwali, follows. Lakshmi Puja is the main day, with prayers, lamps and temple visits. Govardhan Puja, or Annakut, recalls Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill. Bhai Dooj closes the festival with a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters.

What Role Do Food, Gifts and Fireworks Play?

New clothes, family visits, gifts and generous tables of food all belong to Diwali, with sweets shared between neighbours and friends. Fireworks remain part of many celebrations, although some places now restrict them because of noise and pollution.

How Might You Celebrate at University?

Many student unions have a Hindu society, often affiliated with the National Hindu Students’ Forum, and Diwali is often a highlight of their year. At Leeds, the society counts its Diwali Dinner and Dance among its biggest events and welcomes students of all religions. In your accommodation, check your building’s fire safety rules before lighting candles or diyas; LED diyas, LED candles and fairy lights give the same warmth without the flame. Where real diyas are permitted, place them on a stable, non-combustible surface, well away from curtains and fabrics. For a larger public celebration, Leicester holds Diwali Day at Cossington Recreation Ground on Sunday 8th November 2026.

What Do Those Who Know the Festival Well Suggest?

• Card games are a Diwali custom in many Hindu homes, played for good fortune in the year ahead.
• Govardhan Puja marks the start of the new year in the Vikrama calendar, when many merchants open fresh account books.
• In Bengal, the goddess Kali is worshipped at this time of year.
• Leicester’s Diwali Day has no public fireworks display this year; the evening centres on music, food, stalls and light.

Diwali asks very little of a newcomer beyond curiosity and good company: a lamp, a shared plate, a warm greeting. If you’re planning where to spend next year, take a look at our luxury student homes.