Significance

• Celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
• In the Vaishnava tradition, the day commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura.
• It is also associated with Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile, marked by lamps lit in welcome.

Observances

• Cleaning and decorating the home — especially the threshold and the shrine — in the days leading up to Diwali.
• Drawing rangoli or kolam patterns at the entrance to welcome auspiciousness.
• Lighting rows of oil lamps (deepa, diya) at sunset throughout the home.
• New clothes, sharing sweets, and gathering with family.
• A special Lakshmi Puja in the evening to invoke prosperity and grace.

Home worship steps

1. 1Bathe before sunrise (the traditional abhyanga snana with oil) on the morning of Diwali.
2. 2Clean and decorate the home shrine; place fresh flowers and a clean cloth.
3. 3In the evening, perform Lakshmi Puja: light a ghee lamp, place a coin or ornament before the Goddess, and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets.
4. 4Recite the Sri Sukta or Vishnu Sahasranamam.
5. 5Light lamps throughout the home — at the threshold, in each room, and at the shrine.
6. 6Share sweets with family, neighbours, and those in need.

Mantra