Diwali 2022 greetings explained: How to wish someone a ‘Happy Diwali’ in Hindi, Gujarati and Punjabi today

Diwali is one of the biggest festivals in the Hindu, Sikh and Jain calendar.

The festival originated in the Indian subcontinent and symbolises the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”.

It is widely associated with the goddess Lakshmi, who symbolises three virtues: wealth and prosperity, fertility and abundant crops, as well as good fortune.

Sikhs, however, often now use the day to celebrate the release of the sixth guru Hargobind Singh from prison in 1619.

Many will recognise the festival for its beautiful use of candles and lights – here’s how to greet somebody celebrating the festival.

When is Diwali 2022?

Diwali itself is the third day of a five-day festival and falls on the darkest day of the Hindu lunar month, Kartika. That means that this year, the specific day for Diwali itself is Monday 24 October.

Diwali takes place on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartika, the dates of which are determined by the lunar calendar.

The date of the festival, therefore, changes year-to-year, usually falling between October and November.

This year, the festival takes place from 22-26 October:

How do I wish someone a Happy Diwali?

To greet someone in Hindi for Diwali, it’s best to say “Diwali ki Shubhkamnayein” or “Shush Deepavali“. These both mean Happy Diwali.

Meanwhile, in Punjabi, it would be “Tuhanu Diwali diyan bohat bohat vadhaiyan“, and in Marathi it’s “Shush Diwali“.

In Gujarati, the greeting is “Diwali ni mubarak” or “saal mubarak”.

“Deepavali nalvazhthukal” is the best way to greet someone in Tamil.

What are the different days of Diwali?

The names of the festive days vary by region and so do their rituals, but they generally follow a similar pattern:

Dhanteras (Day of fortune) – People start cleaning their homes and making decorations such as rangoli (patterns created on the floor using coloured rice, flour, coloured sand or flower petals).

Naraka Chaturdashi (Day of knowledge) – The Hindu literature narrates that the asura (demon) Narakasura was killed on this day by Krishna, Satyabhama and Kali. The day is celebrated by early morning religious rituals and festivities follow on.

Diwali (Day of light) – Considered the main day of festivities, when fireworks are lit to celebrate the last day of the Hindu year. According to legend, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, visits her devotees and bestows gifts and blessings upon each of them.

Annakut (New Year) – As an offering to Krishna in the festival of Govardhan Puja, food is piled up at Hindu temples.

Bhai Duj (Day of love between siblings) – Men offer women gifts on this day to show respect for them and offer them protection. Traditionally, it was one of the few days when brothers could visit the homes of their married sisters.