Diwali, also called Deepavali, is celebrated on the new-moon night of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. Because the festival follows a lunar calendar, its date changes each year, usually falling in October or November. The main night is part of a wider festival period, and customs and dates can vary across India.
How Diwali dates are determined
The central Diwali celebration is Lakshmi Puja, observed on Amavasya, the new-moon day of Kartik. In many places, festivities span five days, with Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. The names, order and importance of days can differ by region and community, so it is best to check a local calendar for the exact date each year.
Traditions across India
In many homes, families clean and decorate before Diwali, light oil lamps or candles, create rangoli and gather for prayers. Lakshmi Puja is an important part of the evening for many Hindu households. Families may also exchange gifts, visit relatives and enjoy fireworks where local rules allow. Traditions are not identical everywhere, and each region brings its own customs to the celebration.
What food is enjoyed at Diwali?
Food is a big part of the festival. Families often prepare or share sweets such as ladoo, barfi, jalebi and kaju katli, alongside savoury snacks such as chakli and namak pare. The menu changes across India: some households make festive rice dishes or regional favourites, while others focus on sweets and small plates to share with guests.
When do families prepare?
Preparations often begin in the days before the main celebration. Homes are cleaned, ingredients are bought, sweets and snacks may be made ahead, and decorations are arranged. On Diwali night, families gather for prayers and a festive meal, then continue visiting and celebrating over the surrounding days.
A celebration with regional variety
So, when is Diwali celebrated in India? The main celebration falls on Kartik Amavasya, usually in October or November, but the exact Gregorian date changes every year. Whether marked with lamps, family visits, prayers or a table of sweets, Diwali is celebrated in many different ways across the country.