On traditional track: A quick guide on Diwali traditions & customs

There’s a spirit of optimism in the air during the festival of lights, a lively energy mixed with hope and positivity. Call it auspicious timing, but there is something inherently divine and blessed about this time of year. For generations, Diwali customs and practices have been celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm. These traditional Diwali rituals have been passed down, keeping the essence of the festival alive. 

And as revivalists of culture and heritage, it becomes even more important to highlight these Diwali traditions abroad, especially for families settled overseas. From understanding traditional Diwali gifts to exploring modern Diwali gifting in USA/Canada, every effort helps reconnect with roots and share the light across the world. 

In Diwali traditions, the five days of celebration each carry their own significance and rituals. The festival begins with Dhanteras, a day considered auspicious for making new investments. Families often buy gold, silver, or steel utensils as part of this tradition. According to Vedic scriptures, including the Padma Purana, Diwali is also mentioned as a harvest festival tied to the Hindu calendar. 

The second day, Narak Chaturdasi (Chhoti Diwali), is observed by lighting 14 diyas at home to ward off negativity and evil. 

The third day is Diwali (Deepavali) itself, the grand festival of lights. It marks the return of Lord Rama, Sita Mata, Lakshman, and Hanuman to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and the defeat of Ravana. Since Diwali falls on Amavasya (a moonless night), families light 21 diyas as part of Diwali customs and traditions, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. 

Day four is celebrated as Govardhan Puja, commemorating Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from torrential rains. 

The fifth and final day of the festival is Bhai Dooj, which honors the cherished bond between brothers and sisters. 

Another unique aspect that makes Diwali celebrations so universal is their diversity across communities. In Sikh traditions, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, when the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, secured the release of 52 kings imprisoned by Mughal ruler Jahangir at Gwalior Fort. His return was welcomed with lights and firecrackers, a tradition that continues today. 

In Jain traditions, Diwali rituals mark the attainment of moksha (salvation) by their 24th Tirthankara, Lord Mahavira. 

In East India, Diwali pooja rituals include the worship of Goddess Kali, while tribal groups in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, observe a celebration called Diyari, where crops are ceremonially married and worshipped as Goddess Lakshmi, and cattle are adorned. The Sindhi community also celebrates Diyari by cleansing gold and silver coins in milk, softly tapping them on their teeth, and singing “Lakshmi aayi, danat vaai”—which means “when Lakshmi arrives, poverty departs.” 

Across the globe—whether in the US, UK, or Canada—it’s a long-standing Diwali tradition to thoroughly cleanse homes in preparation for the festival. Families indulge in deep cleaning, de-cluttering, and elevating their spaces with vibrant  Diwali decoration items inspired by festive themes. Engaging in charity, sharing festive treats, and thoughtful gifting are also integral Diwali customs and traditions that connect communities everywhere. 

Clay diyas are usually purchased a week before the festival. Remember to soak these lamps in water first and let them dry completely under the sun for the best results. On Diwali night, the diyas are filled with mustard oil—or pure desi ghee for a touch of luxury—while cotton battis (wicks) are rolled, dipped in the same oil, and lit to illuminate homes. In Sanskrit, Deepavali literally means “rows of lamps,” and these glowing rows of diyas transform the moonless night into a breathtaking spectacle of light. Strings of fairy lights and Deepavali Lakshmi pooja lamps are lit to warmly welcome Goddess Laxmi into every home. Bright door hangings, torans, rangoli, and tiny Laxmi feet on thresholds invite divine blessings of health, wealth, and prosperity. Evening is reserved for families and friends to gather for Lakshmi pooja on Diwali, honoring the goddess of fortune. In Sikh traditions, Gurudwaras come alive with flickering candles and prayers, making the celebration equally magical. 

The days leading up to Diwali are filled with excitement and joy. Shopping for new clothes and accessories becomes a family affair, favorite food items and Diwali traditional sweets are planned and prepared, and curated lists of Diwali gift ideas—whether for employees, family, friends, newly-weds, or those celebrating their first Diwali—are carefully considered.  

According to Diwali pooja rituals and ancient legend, it is said that Parvati and Lord Shiva once played a game of dice during Diwali and enjoyed it so much that Parvati declared everyone should play on this day to invite good luck and prosperity. This belief has been passed down for generations, and even today, people play cards on Diwali with prayers to Ma Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, fortune, and happiness. 

 So, as you prepare your lights, sweets, and Diwali gift ideas, don’t forget to embrace this joyful game of the gods and invite Lady Luck to your celebration! 

This Diwali, whether you’re in India, the US, or Canada, honor the festival by embracing Diwali customs and traditions. From Diwali pooja rituals and Deepavali Lakshmi Pooja to Diwali decorations and thoughtful gifts, every act adds meaning to the festival of lights. Celebrate with love, share Diwali traditional sweets, and light up not just your homes, but hearts and communities across the world.  

Explore Pataaree’s full Diwali Gifts Collection for hampers, décor, and luxury festive keepsakes. 

FAQs 

1. What are the 5 main days of Diwali?

The five days are Dhanteras, Chhoti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj, each with unique customs and rituals.

2. How is Laxmi Puja done on Diwali?

Families clean and decorate their homes, place idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha, offer sweets and flowers, light diyas, and perform aarti before sharing prasad and gifts.

3. What are the rituals of Diwali?

Rituals include house cleaning, decorating with diyas and torans, performing Lakshmi Puja, distributing sweets in ladoo boxes, and exchanging gifts.

4. Why do we do Laxmi Puja on Diwali?

Laxmi Puja is performed to invite wealth, prosperity, and happiness. Clean homes, lit diyas, and rangoli attract Goddess Laxmi’s blessings for a year of abundance.