Diwali, also called Deepavali, is one of the most important and oldest festivals in India. It started more than 2,500 years ago. The word “Diwali” comes from the Sanskrit word dipavali, which means “row of lights.” The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. One popular story behind Diwali is about Lord Rama returning home to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. People lit oil lamps to welcome him back, which is why lighting diyas (small lamps) is still a big part of Diwali today.

Different parts of India and different religions celebrate Diwali in their own way. In South India, people remember Lord Krishna’s win over the demon Narakasura. In Western India, Diwali marks the start of the Hindu New Year and honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Jains celebrate it as the day Lord Mahavira reached enlightenment, and Sikhs call it Bandi Chhor Divas, when Guru Hargobind was freed from prison.

People outside of religion have also celebrated Diwali. During the Mughal period, Emperor Akbar joined in the celebrations and called it Jashan-e-Chiraghi, which means Festival of Lamps. Today, Diwali is also a time for families and communities to come together, share joy, give gifts, and enjoy fireworks and sweets.

In 2025, Diwali is being celebrated from 18th to 23rd October, with the main day, Lakshmi Puja, falling on Tuesday, 21st October. Cities in India and the UK host large-scale cultural events, firework displays, and temple ceremonies.

• Thousands attend Diwali events in London, Leicester, Birmingham, and Manchester
• Diwali is one of the highest retail spending periods in India, especially for sweets and fireworks
• Lighting diyas and lamps is believed to bring prosperity and happiness
• Diwali promotes multicultural harmony and community spirit in the UK

The Story of Ram in Diwali – Maps of India: This article covers the key events — Rama’s exile, Sita’s abduction by Ravana, Hanuman’s aid, the battle in Lanka, and the triumphant return to Ayodhya, which marks the origin of Diwali celebrations with glowing oil lamps.
Read the full story on Maps of India