Q&A for How to Celebrate Diwali

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Do you say “Happy Diwali” to people who are celebrating?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

You can say Happy Diwali. Traditional Diwali greetings often make references to the lights and colors of the holiday, so you can also say something like, “May the lights of Diwali brighten your life and surround you and your loved ones with joy!”

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 18 Helpful 26
Question

Is Diwali the Hindu new year celebration?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

In some parts of India, Diwali marks the start of a new year. More generally, it’s a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 23
Question

How should I dress for a Diwali party?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

There aren’t any hard and fast rules for what to wear at a Diwali party. If it’s at a fancy venue, you might wear a flashy sari, gown, or Pathani suit. If it’s a house party, tone it down and wear something a little more casual or conservative.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 26
Question

Why is Diwali celebrated?

Community Answer

Diwali is celebrated due to the return of an ancient king named Rama. He was no ordinary guy. He was the god Vishnu in human form. He defeated an evil king named Ravana. Ravana's palace was at Sri Lanka. People were glad that Vishnu won and Ravana lost. Diwali also represents the end of the harvesting season and start of the planting season. Lakshmi is worshiped to ensure financial success. Kali is worshiped to protect against lazyness and hardship

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 27 Helpful 139
Question

What would be an appropriate gift for a Christian to take to a Diwali party in a Hindu house?

Community Answer

Take some traditional Indian sweets.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 38 Helpful 137
Question

Are fireworks used to celebrate Diwali?

Community Answer

Yes, most everywhere. Some who are very religious and may just light deepas (candles).

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 43 Helpful 153
Question

On what date does Diwali actually start?

Community Answer

The Hindu calendar does not follow the monthly calendar. It follows the moon cycle and the position of the moon instead. The date is always changing.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 45 Helpful 151
Question

Is Diwali is only for Hindus? If so, why?

Community Answer

Diwali is mainly celebrated by only Hindus, but it is free to be celebrated by anyone. It is also celebrated by Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 41 Helpful 135
Question

Is there anything they do only on the last day of Diwali?

Community Answer

The last day is known as Bhai Dooj. On this day, sisters put tilak on the forehead of their brothers, and exchange gifts. Sweets are made. There are many other customs in different regions of the country.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 32 Helpful 112
Question

It is necessary to burst crackers in diwali?

Community Answer

No, it is not necessary to burst crackers. You can just light diyas and candles. Bursting crackers is just for fun.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 28 Helpful 101
Question

How do I get pictures of Diwali from the Internet?

Community Answer

Go to Google Image Search, type "Diwali" in the search box, click on each image to view, and right-click and select "Save image as..." to download any to your computer that you'd like to keep.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 33 Helpful 84
Question

What is the meaning of diwali?

Community Answer

Originally, the name was "Deepavali". "Deepa" meant candle, and "vali" is not a word on its own, but when added to another means festival. It literally translates to "festival of candles," but it's meant to mean festival of light.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 49 Helpful 115
Question

How many days do I fast for Diwali?

Community Answer

None. Hindu families fast starting 30 days before Diwali, ending their fast 20 days before Diwali. It is a 10 day long fast in total.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 47 Helpful 97
Question

How do I make rangoli?

Community Answer

Check out this article for tips: how to make rangoli .

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 12
Question

What are the offerings made by people on Diwali?

Community Answer

The offerings made on this day are usually traditional Indian sweets.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8
Question

How can I celebrate Diwali without crackers?

Community Answer

You can celebrate Diwali without cracker by lighting diyas and candles, because the crackers aren't necessary.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 9
Question

How do I decorate my house for Diwali?

Community Answer

You can put a garland of flowers around your door and light lamps near your sidewalk. Essentially, you can decorate your house however you please!

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6
Question

When is the Lakshmi Puja performed?

Community Answer

On the 3rd day of Diwali. Lakshmi is worshiped to ensure financial success throughout the year. Kali is worshiped to protect against laziness.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 8
Question

How do Sikhs celebrate Diwali?

Community Answer

Usually Diwali is celebrated only by Hindus. It is celebrated as described in the article.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 39 Helpful 27
Question

How does Diwali start?

Community Answer

Usually with the Lakshmi and Ganesh pooja. But people also make rangoli in the evening .

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6
Question

Do I give gifts during Diwali?

Community Answer

Usually, yes. Sweets would be most appropriate, but if you cannot get those easily you can just give flowers from a nearby grocery store.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 4
Question

How do I make rangoli?

Community Answer

Consult Make Rangoli .

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
Question

Can I go shopping on Diwali?

Community Answer

Yes, in fact many people wait for Diwali to go on a shopping spree. If you're in India, just don't forget to buy some diyas to lighten up the Diwali of clay workers, who work hard to brighten up your festivities.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
Question

What gift should I give to some friends who are celebrating Diwali?

Community Answer

Give them good things like sweets, clothes, toys, candles, fruit, etc. You could also ask them what they think is a nice gift for the event.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Does a Diwali festival start in a specific way?

bhanu lekhala

Community Answer

Deepavali comes from Sanskrit words 'Deepa' which translates to 'light' and 'aavali' which translates to 'a line'. It technically means a line of lights. Everyone starts by cleaning the house a day before. The morning starts by bathing, rangoli, and performing pooja to the goddess Lakshmi. The families come together and cook dishes (mostly vegetarian) and wish the beloved ones who are away. In the evening people visit temples for blessings from God and start to lit diyas/candles and burn crackers to celebrate Diwali. The whole family ends the day by having dinner.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
Question

Is necessary to burn crackers on Diwali?

Aarya Handa

Community Answer

No, you don't have to do that. It is simply a longstanding tradition to do so but that does not mean that you have to partake in it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

What do people eat on Diwali?

Community Answer

People prepare traditional dishes like chivda, chakli, ladoos, burfis, kheer, gulabjamun, basundi and kaju-katli.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I make a Rangoli out of paper glued together?

Community Answer

Yes, you can but it is usually made with chalk. Traditionally it is made by scattering powdered chalk on a white pattern on pavements.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

What type of clothes do people usually wear during Diwali?

Community Answer

Try ethnic wear. Girls can wear lehengas or Kurtis and boys can wear traditional dress. This totally depends on your choice of clothes.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Why are there five days of Diwali?

Community Answer

One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance". ... The five-day long festival originated in the Indian subcontinent and is mentioned in early Sanskrit texts.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1