Skip to contentAccessibility Help BBC Account MenuMore Search BBC Search BBC CBBCCBBC iPlayerNewsroundBitesizeOwn ItCBeebiesCBBC on TVCBBC HelpClose menu
Newsround
play Watch Newsround
Diwali What is it
22 Oct 202222 October 2022Last updated at 05:39commentsView Comments (3)Getty ImagesDiwali is the five-day Festival of Lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. Diwali, which for some also coincides with harvest and new year celebrations, is a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Before you read on, take this Diwali quiz to see how much you know about the festival.When is Diwali? The festival is usually some time between October and November, with the date changing each year. This year Diwali takes place over five days from 22 October to 26 October with the main day of celebration on Monday 24 OctoberTo enjoy the CBBC Newsround website at its best you will need to have JavaScript turned on.WATCH: Deeya celebrates Diwali - the Hindu festival of lightWhere does the name Diwali come from? The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word deepavali, meaning "rows of lighted lamps". Houses, shops and public places are decorated with small oil lamps called diyas. People also enjoy fireworks and sweets too, so it's really popular with children.To enjoy the CBBC Newsround website at its best you will need to have JavaScript turned on.Diwali: Learn some traditional Indian dance stepsWhat's the festival about? Each religion marks different historical events and stories. Hindus celebrate the return of deities Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after their 14-year exile. They also celebrate the day Mother Goddess Durga destroyed a demon called Mahisha. Sikhs particularly celebrate the release from prison of the sixth guru Hargobind Singh in 1619. But Sikhs celebrated the festival before this date. In fact, the foundation stone of the Golden Temple at Amritsar, the most holy place in the Sikh world, was laid on Diwali in 1577. The founder of Jainism is Lord Mahavira. During Diwali, Jains celebrate the moment he reached a state called Moksha (nirvana, or eternal bliss).To enjoy the CBBC Newsround website at its best you will need to have JavaScript turned on.What is the festival of Diwali? (November 2015)Traditions Many lights and oil lamps are lit on the streets and in houses People visit their relatives and have feastsFireworks and festivities are an essential part of the occasionLakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, is worshipped as the bringer of blessings for the new year
More like this
play 3:15Diwali: Learn some traditional Indian dance steps 11 Nov 202011 November 2020Rosh Hashanah: What is it? 25 Sep 202225 September 2022What is Vaisakhi, or Baisakhi and how is it celebrated? 14 Apr 202214 April 2022Millions gather for Hindu festival of Kumbh Mela14 Jan 201314 January 2013Show more
Your Comments
Join the conversation
To use comments you will need to have JavaScript enabled. These comments are now closed.3 commentsD
DeeDee
17:38 15 AprWe have so much food0 D
DeeDee
17:38 15 AprDiwali is like Christmas for our family!0H
HoneyBear
07:13 6 Nov 2021Diwali sounds amazing!0Back to topunknown
Top Stories
Who will England and Ireland face at the 2023 FIFA World Cup 11 hours ago11 hours agocomments7'I don't let my stammer hold me back' 15 hours ago15 hours agocomments3Scotland out of Rugby World Cup12 hours ago12 hours agocomments4Newsround Home
Explore the BBC
CBBCCBBC iPlayerNewsroundBitesizeOwn ItCBeebiesCBBC on TVCBBC Help
Share:
0 comments
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Diwali What is it? CBBC Newsround | Trend Now | Trend Now