Diwali(दीवाली)

Diwali falls on the new moon day (Amavasya) in the Hindu month of Kartik, typically in October or November. The exact Gregorian date changes each year because it follows the Hindu lunisolar calendar.

Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, is the most important Hindu festival. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The five-day festival includes prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, lighting of oil lamps (diyas), fireworks, and the exchange of sweets.

Diwali is primarily celebrated in India, Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, and Fiji. Large diaspora communities also observe it in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, and South Africa. It is a public holiday in India, Nepal, and several other countries.

Yes, Diwali is a public holiday in India, Nepal, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, and several other countries with significant Hindu populations. In the US and UK it is not a federal/national holiday, but it is widely celebrated by the Hindu diaspora.

Diwali traditions include lighting rows of clay oil lamps (diyas) and candles outside homes, creating colorful rangoli patterns at doorways, bursting firecrackers, wearing new clothes, exchanging gifts and sweets (mithai), and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for wealth and wisdom.