Diwali is one of the most popular dates on the Hindu calendar and this year it takes place from the 12th to the 16th of November. The five day long Festival of Lights is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and some Buddhists. This year, the biggest day of the festival, will take place on the 14th of November.
Over the five days of the festival, people prepare by cleaning and decorating their homes. People who celebrate Diwali also light up their homes, temples and businesses with oil lamps and candles (diyas) and worship Lakshmi. Homes are cleaned to welcome the New Year and windows are opened so that the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, can enter. Hindus burns special Diwali lamps called diyas to light the way for the goddess. That is why the holiday is also known as the Festival of Lights.
How will Diwali be celebrated in 2020?
The festival is usually celebrated with dancing, food and fireworks. There are usually many events held across the UK but this year many have been cancelled due to Coronavirus. Families will need to celebrate online and with fireworks in their own gardens.