Happy Diwali: Full guide to the festival of light with greetings, wishes and quotes

Diwali is a Hindu festival celebrated annually (Picture: Getty)

Diwali is upon us, which means that this weekend the skies have been filled with fireworks, and beautiful candles have been displayed in homes.

Also known as Divali or Deepawali, Diwali is celebrated over five days in many parts of the world, with the main festival day taking place today, Sunday November 12.

But, what is the festival celebrating and how long does it last? And how you can wish someone a Happy Diwali?

Read on for everything to know about the celebration…

What is Diwali?

Diwali is a Hindu festival, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world.

It is commonly referred to as the festival of lights since a lot of the celebrations involve big, bold displays of light and colour.

The term dipavali comes from the Sanskrit meaning ‘row or series of lights.’

As well as symbolising the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance, Diwali is often associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.

How do people celebrate Diwali?

Those celebrating the festival will typically decorate their homes with lights and rangolis, elaborate patterns made out of materials including rice, coloured sand and flowers.

There are usually big celebrations in big towns and cities across the world, where there will be fireworks, light displays, dancing and food.

One of the most popular dishes to eat in Diwali is called Lapsi Halwa, and is made from cracked wheat, cooked with ghee and sweetened with sugar and cardamom.

London comes to life with colour and celebrations (Picture: Rex features)How long does Diwali last?

The festival usually lasts up to five days, coinciding with the new moon on the Hindu lunar calendar, called Amavasya.

How to wish someone a ‘happy Diwali’

A simple ‘Happy Diwali’ will do the trick, but there are other Diwali wishes you can say to anyone celebrating the festival.

A traditional Diwali greeting is to say ‘wishing you a Diwali that brings happiness prosperity and joy to you and all your family.’

You won’t be Sari to join in with the good times (Picture: Rex Features)

You can also wish: ‘May your life be as colourful, shimmering and magical as the lights of Diwali.’

Another can be: ‘May every aspect of your life be as luminous and wonderful as the lights on the lamps of Diwali.’

Diwali quotes and messages to share

The following are heartfelt messages and quotes you can use to send to any loved ones celebrating Diwali today:

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May the lights of Diwali make your and your loved ones’ life brighter and happier.

Wishing your family a happy and safe Diwali.

May the beauty of a Deepavali season fill your home with happiness, and may the coming year provide you with all that brings you joy.

This Diwali let us give thanks for our health, friends, and family.

May the lamps of Diwali illuminate your life. May the colours of rangoli usher in happiness, may the delicious Diwali desserts add sweetness to your life, and may Goddess Lakshmi shower you with all that you have wished for.

Diwali poems to read and share The festival of light is upon us (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)Diwali

Today’s the ‘Festival of Lights’ all o’er;A joyful day for minds and hearts and souls;

And people throng the Temples to offer,Prayers, resolving to take better roles.And most of them are richly clad and clean,And eat such dainty foods and sweets with mirth;Whilst noisy crackers burst, their lights are seen,It seems to be a happy day on Earth!But are there not hearts woe-filled, very sad?Denied of laughter, smiles for days;Today’s the triumph of Good over bad;But what about the wastage in much ways?True joy is when you see someone else smile!True charity gives joy in Heav’nly style.

– Dr. John Celes

Deepavali Delights

Deepavali is here, Deepavali is hereThat grand festival of LightsThat ends evil after a protracted fightWhen good with all its mightLeads us from darkness to Light.

Deepavali is here, Deepavali is hereThat great festival of soundWhen crackers and laughter aboundWhen crackers and sparklers light up the skyWhen delighted children jump with joy.

Deepavali is here, Deepavali is hereThat gorgeous festival of snacks and sweetsWhere everyone enjoys a royal feastWhen old and young with delight meetWith love and affection all hearts beat.

Diwali is here, Diwali is hereThat gracious festival which celebrates victoryThe ancient festival of myth and mysteryThat is mentioned in both mythology and historyThe festival that signals Triumph over Tragedy.

– Shyam Phatak

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