Diwali 2021: The festival of lights and why it’s more important this year than ever

Why is Diwali celebrated?

Diwali is the celebration of Lord Rama returning home after 14 years, having rescued his wife Sita (an avatar of the goddess Lakshmi) from the demon king Ravana. Ravana had kidnapped Sita and carried her away, but Rama found them and defeated Ravana by shooting him with a golden arrow. Their path back to Ayodhya was lit by millions of tiny lamps to guide them, thus, the festival of lights.

Who celebrates Diwali?

Diwali is celebrated throughout India and its diaspora. It’s one of the main Hindu celebrations of the year, but the festival of lights is also acknowledged by Sikhs, Jains, some Buddhists and some folk religions.

What is important about Diwali 2021?

This year, Diwali takes on a special significance, with many people spending more time apart from their families than they would like. Celebrating the triumph of light over dark, and good over evil, in a year where the pandemic has been at the front of everyone’s mind, is especially important.

Diwali is a time for engaging in acts of service at the start of the new year, so this year will see extra acts of goodwill and danya (or charitable giving), in the wake of the pandemic. While some larger gatherings will still be on hold, many celebrations will still take place, just on a smaller scale.

When is Diwali 2021?

The dates for Diwali are based on the Hindu lunar calendar. This year, Diwali runs from the 2nd to the 6th November, with the main celebration day on the 4th November.

The 5 days of Diwali

On the first night, people will traditionally clean their homes in preparation for the festival. On the second day, people usually wake early, bathe and wear new clothes.

The festival’s peak is the third night. Each of the five nights is dedicated to a different deity, but Diwali Night also marks the darkest night of the lunar month. It’s on this night that Sita, as the goddess Lakshmi, is said to visit every home, so families light candles and lamps to show her the way. Lakshmi’s visit is said to bring prosperity, fertility, and good fortune. The third night of Diwali sees firework displays in Lakshmi’s honour, and rangoli (coloured rice or flowers laid out in intricate patterns) decorate the floors to welcome her in.

The fourth day is to celebrate Lord Krishna defeating Indra, and people will mark it by creating their own ‘mountains’. The final day is for feasting, and sisters will perform a “tilak’ for their brothers, praying for longevity and happiness. In return for these prayers, brothers will give additional gifts to their sisters.

The foods of Diwali

Throughout the week, families and friends visit each other to celebrate with meals and gifts. A feast is part of the tradition, as well as gifting Indian sweets including kaju katli, gulab jamun, and motichoor laddoo. Many households will cook snacks and sweets to be ready for any visitors, as well as the main feasting event!

Diwali gifts

At the feast, gifts are usually exchanged between friends and family. Traditional gifts include Diwali decorations and wall hangings, as well as sweets, clothes, and candle holders. We’ve put together a useful gift guide to help you decide.

It’s also easier than ever to buy gifts from abroad to send home, if you’re away from family and friends for Diwali this year. Send a money transfer with WorldRemit on our app or website for family to spend on the Diwali meal or on decorations.

Sending money with WorldRemit

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Wishing you a bright and happy Diwali!