Significance
The festival of lights — rows of lamps to welcome Lakshmi, goddess of fortune, on the darkest night of the year, and to celebrate the return of Rama to Ayodhya.
The story behind Diwali
On the new-moon night of Kartika, Ayodhya lit every lamp it had to guide Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana home from fourteen years of exile. On the same dark night Lakshmi is said to walk the earth, entering homes that are clean, bright, and open. So the lamps serve twice — a welcome, and an invitation to fortune.
How Diwali is observed
- Lakshmi–Ganesha Puja in the Pradosh/evening for wealth and wisdom.
- Rows of diyas, candles, and lights; rangoli at the door.
- Cleaning and renewing the home beforehand.
- Sweets, gifts, and (where done) fireworks.
Puja Vidhi & Prayers
Watch the step-by-step puja vidhi, aarti, and prayers for Diwali.
▶ Watch Diwali Puja Vidhi & Prayers on YouTubeDiwali dates (2015–2035)
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 11 November 2015 | Wednesday |
| 2016 | 30 October 2016 | Sunday |
| 2017 | 19 October 2017 | Thursday |
| 2018 | 7 November 2018 | Wednesday |
| 2019 | 27 October 2019 | Sunday |
| 2020 | 14 November 2020 | Saturday |
| 2021 | 4 November 2021 | Thursday |
| 2022 | 24 October 2022 | Monday |
| 2023 | 12 November 2023 | Sunday |
| 2024 | 1 November 2024 | Friday |
| 2025 | 20 October 2025 | Monday |
| 2026 | 8 November 2026 | Sunday |
| 2027 | 29 October 2027 | Friday |
| 2028 | 16 November 2028 | Thursday |
| 2029 | 5 November 2029 | Monday |
| 2030 | 26 October 2030 | Saturday |
| 2031 | 14 November 2031 | Friday |
| 2032 | 2 November 2032 | Tuesday |
| 2033 | 22 October 2033 | Saturday |
| 2034 | 10 November 2034 | Friday |
| 2035 | 30 October 2035 | Tuesday |
Dates are computed from precise sidereal (Lahiri) astronomy for a New Delhi reference and may vary by ±1 day for some evening/midnight festivals depending on your location and regional tradition — the timings above adjust to where you are.