Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word “dipavali” which means “row of lights,” and is celebrated on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik, which typically falls between October and November.
The date for the festival of lights changes each year, however, Diwali usually takes place on the day of the new moon or Amavasy, which is holy to Hindus and considered the darkest night of the year.
Rituals and preparations for Diwali begin days or weeks in advance, after the festival of Dussehra which precedes Diwali by around 20 days.
But when is Diwali in 2022 and how is it celebrated in the UK? Here's everything you need to know:
When is Diwali 2022?
Diwali is set to take place on Monday, October 24 this year. The Hindu celebration takes place after the conclusion of harvest, coinciding with the new moon.
The event is celebrated across five days and means different things for different people.
For those who practice Hinduism, Diwali honours the return of Lord Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after their 14-year exile.
Whereas, Sikhs commemorate the release of the sixth guru Hargobind Singh from prison in 1619, while Jains celebrate it as the moment their founder Lord Mahavira attained, a state of eternal bliss or nirvana.
Diwali is also a celebration of the day Goddess Durga destroyed a demon called Mahisha and is widely associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good fortune.
What are the other events during the Festival of Lights?
Although Diwali begins on October 24, there are five days of celebrations that take place before, during and after, which include:
- October 22, 2022: Dhanteras
- October 23, 2022: Naraka Chaturdashi, which is also known as Choti Diwali
- October 24, 2022: Diwali
- October 25, 2022: Govardhan Puja, which is also known as Gudi Padwa
- October 26, 2022: Bhai Dooj
Why is Diwali known as the festival of lights?
Diwali is described as the festival of lights not only because of its name but because it’s said to symbolise the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.”
The event is also usually celebrated with fireworks and light performances.
How is Diwali celebrated in the UK?
Over five days, those who celebrate Diwali prepare for the event by cleaning and decorating their homes.
On the third day, which is the darkest day of the month, families will dress up, light up their homes, businesses and temples with oil lamps and worship Lakshmi.
Families also cook traditional Indian sweets, light fireworks, enjoy delicious feasts with their families and give each other gifts.
Many towns even organise community parades and fairs with parades, music and dance performances in parks.
