Festival guide 1962
Diwali
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a five-day celebration that marks Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
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Central timing
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat
Festival length
5 days of observance
Festival story
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Observed on
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Lakshmi Puja Muhurat
Festival length
5 days of observance
Festival Significance
Why this observance stays alive in memory
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a five-day celebration that marks Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
Ritual path
Rituals
Light diyas and candles for 5 days. Main Lakshmi Puja on Day 3 during pradosh kaal. Create rangoli, wear new clothes, distribute sweets, and burst firecrackers (eco-friendly).
Discipline
Fasting
Fasting is observed on Dhanteras and the main Diwali day until after Lakshmi Puja in the evening.
In Varanasi
Where the city adds its own colour
Varanasi transforms into a city of lights during Diwali. Every ghat is illuminated with thousands of diyas. Dev Deepawali, celebrated 15 days later on Kartik Purnima, sees over a million diyas lit on the ghats — a uniquely Varanasi tradition. The view from a boat on the Ganga is unforgettable.