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Essay on Diwali 2023: Long and Short Paragraphs and 10 Lines on Deepavali

Diwali essay in english: happy diwali check here essay on diwali, short paragraph on diwali, easy diwali essay in english 10 lines for kids, diwali essay in english 300 words, long diwali essay in english and eco-friendly diwali essay in english for diwali 2023. download all the essays in pdf format for free..

Pragya Sagar

How do you start a Diwali essay?

One of the best ways to start your Diwali essay is with a short and sweet Diwali wish for the reader.

Then, introduce how diwali is celebrated.

Talk about the history of diwali and its signifiance.

Essay on Diwali 2023

In this article, school students and college youngsters will find easy, short and simple essay on Diwali in English. These Diwali essays are suitable for grades 5th to 10th, 11th, 12th and beyond school as well. Download all the essays in PDF format for free from the link given at the end.

Diwali Essay in English 10 lines

Line 1: Diwali, is also known as 'Deepavali' or the 'Festival of Lights’.

Line 2: It also marks the beginning of New Year for many cultures in India.

Line 3: It signifies the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, symbolising the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. 

Line 4: People light diyas - earthen oil lamps and adorn their homes with colourful rangolis. 

Line 5: On Diwali, people clean their homes and decorate with flowers and colourful rangoli.

Line 6: Neighbours and families exchange gifts and sweets amongst each other .

Line 7: Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped.

Line 8: Diwali is a five-day long festival. 

Line 9: Choti Diwali is celebrated one day before Diwali.

Line 10: Diwali is a symbol of good over evil and promotes unity and brotherhood.

Short Essay on Diwali in 200 Words

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a beloved and widely celebrated festival in India, symbolising the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Spanning five days, it begins with Dhanteras when homes are cleaned, new clothes and utensils are bought. The second day, Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, marks Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura with oil lamps. The main day, Diwali, worships Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity, lighting homes with oil lamps, rangoli, and fireworks. Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj follow, honoring Lord Krishna and sibling bonds.

Gift exchanges and traditional sweets like ladoos, barfis, and jalebis are integral to Diwali, symbolizing love, respect, and stronger bonds. Hindus celebrate Rama's return after defeating Ravana, Jains mark Mahavira's nirvana, and Sikhs commemorate Guru Hargobind Ji's release on Bandi Chhor Divas.

Environmental concerns have led to eco-friendly celebrations, emphasizing diyas and natural decorations to reduce the carbon footprint.

Essay on Diwali in 300 Words

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is a significant and joyful Hindu festival celebrated with great fervor. Falling typically in the months of October or November, Diwali holds immense cultural and religious importance as it commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his heroic victory over the demon king Ravana, symbolising the eternal triumph of good over evil.

During Diwali, homes go through an amazing change. They are made super-clean and look beautiful with colorful decorations. People put lots of lights, pretty flowers, and beautiful designs made of coloured powder outside their homes. It's a time when people love to give and receive gifts. They also wear new and fancy clothes, which makes everything feel even more festive and happy.

The main day of Diwali involves heartfelt prayers and rituals dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, the divine patrons of wealth, prosperity, and wisdom. Devotees seek their blessings for a life filled with abundance and enlightenment.

Clay diyas, radiant with an array of colors, are lit in every corner of households, symbolizing the victory of light and hope over darkness and despair. Traditionally, firecrackers were used to drive away evil spirits; however, growing concerns about their environmental impact and health effects have led to more eco-conscious celebrations.

Essay on Diwali Festival in 400 Words

Diwali, or Deepavali, is an auspicious and cherished festival celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm across India. It is a festival that signifies the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Typically spanning five days, Diwali is a time when families come together to engage in various customs, rituals, and traditions that have deep cultural significance.

Diwali usually falls in October or November. The festivities commence with Dhanteras, the first day, when people engage in thorough cleaning and adorn their homes. This day is also marked by the purchase of new clothes and utensils. The second day, known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, is observed by lighting oil lamps to commemorate Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. The third day, which is the main Diwali day, is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Homes are adorned with oil lamps, vibrant rangoli designs, and fireworks light up the night sky to celebrate the triumph of light. This day symbolizes the removal of spiritual darkness and the ushering in of prosperity and good fortune.

The fourth day of Diwali is Govardhan Puja, commemorating Lord Krishna's lifting of the Govardhan Hill to shield villagers from a rainstorm caused by Lord Indra. The fifth and final day is Bhai Dooj, a day dedicated to honoring the bond between brothers and sisters.

Diwali holds religious significance for various communities. Hindus celebrate it as the return of Lord Rama after vanquishing the demon king Ravana. Jains view it as the day Lord Mahavira attained nirvana, and Sikhs commemorate it as Bandi Chhor Divas, signifying Guru Hargobind Ji's release from imprisonment.

Long Essay on Diwali Celebration

Diwali is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India. It holds immense cultural, religious, and social importance, bringing people from all walks of life together in a spirit of joy and unity. This festival signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

Diwali typically falls in October or November. The preparations for Diwali begin weeks in advance, with families eagerly awaiting this grand festival. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated and new clothes and utensils are purchased. This practice not only prepares the physical surroundings but also symbolises the inner purification of individuals and their homes.

The five-day celebration commences with Dhanteras, the first day. On this day, people worship Lord Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine, and Ayurveda. It is also considered auspicious to purchase gold and silver on Dhanteras, as it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

The second day, Naraka Chaturdashi, is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. People wake up early and take an oil bath to purify themselves. They then light oil lamps and candles all around their homes and offices.

The third day is the main Diwali day, also known as Lakshmi Puja. This day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. Families come together to perform special prayers and pujas to seek blessings for a prosperous year ahead. Homes are adorned with oil lamps, colorful rangoli designs, and flowers. In the evening, people burst firecrackers to celebrate the victory of good over evil.

The fourth day of Diwali is known as Govardhan Puja or Padwa. On this day, people worship Lord Krishna for lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers from Lord Indra's wrath. People also visit their relatives and friends and exchange gifts and sweets.

The fifth and final day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj, also known as Yama Dwitiya. This day is dedicated to celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters prepare special dishes for their brothers and apply a tilak (vermilion mark) on their foreheads. Brothers, in return, give gifts to their sisters.

Long Essay on Diwali, Pollution Free and Eco-friendly Deepavali in 600 Words

Deepawali, also known as Diwali, is one of the most popular and auspicious festivals celebrated in India. Also known as the festival of lights, it marks the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Diwali is celebrated on the darkest night of the Hindu lunar month Kartika, which usually falls in October or November.

The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means "a row of lamps." The festival is celebrated by lighting diyas (oil lamps) and candles all around the house and office. This symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil. Diwali is a significant festival for Hindus all over the world. It is a time to celebrate the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. The festival also marks the beginning of the new Hindu year.

Diwali is also celebrated to commemorate the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. Rama was exiled from Ayodhya for 14 years, and his return was marked with great joy and celebration. The people of Ayodhya lit diyas and decorated their homes to welcome him back. Another reason why Diwali is celebrated is to honor Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. People perform Lakshmi Puja on Diwali night to seek her blessings for wealth and good fortune.

Diwali is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate. People clean and decorate their homes, buy new clothes, and prepare delicious food. On Diwali night, people gather to light diyas, perform Lakshmi Puja, and exchange gifts. Diwali is also a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate. It is a time to forgive and forget, and to start fresh. The festival is also a time to give and receive, and to spread joy and happiness. Diwali is also a time for giving back to the community. People donate to charities and help those in need. The festival is a reminder to be grateful for our blessings and to share them with others.

Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy all over India. People start preparing for the festival weeks in advance. They clean their homes, decorate them with lights and rangolis, and buy new clothes. On Diwali night, people light diyas and candles all around their homes and offices. They also perform Lakshmi Puja to seek her blessings for wealth and good fortune. After the puja, people exchange gifts with their family and friends. People prepare delicious food and sweets, and share them with their loved ones.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness about the environmental impact of Diwali celebrations. People are now more conscious about using eco-friendly ways to celebrate the festival.

Eco-friendly Diwali, also known as "Green Diwali," is an environmentally conscious approach to celebrating the festival of lights. It involves minimising the harmful environmental impacts associated with traditional Diwali practices. People choose to use eco-friendly alternatives, such as clay diyas (oil lamps) instead of electric lights, to reduce electricity consumption. Additionally, eco-friendly fireworks, which produce fewer pollutants and noise, are gaining popularity. Rangoli designs made from natural materials and organic, biodegradable decorations contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable celebration. Eco-friendly Diwali aims to preserve the environment, reduce air and noise pollution, and promote a more responsible and harmonious way of celebrating this cherished festival.

Paragraphs on Diwali

Diwali celebrations, five days of diwali, what are the five days of diwali 2023.

Day 1: Dhanteras, Friday, November 10, 2023

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, Saturday, November 11, 2023 

Day 3: Diwali and Lakshmi Pooja, Sunday, November 12, 2023

Day 4: Govardhan pooja, Monday, November 13, 2023

Diwali 2023 Wishes in English

1. "May the festival of lights fill your life with happiness and prosperity. Wishing you a sparkling and joyous Diwali!"

2. "Happy Diwali! May your life be illuminated with the divine blessings of Lord Rama."

3. "Wishing you a Diwali filled with love, laughter, and all things bright and beautiful. Have a wonderful celebration!"

4. "Wishing you a safe and prosperous Diwali! Let the brightness of Diyas light up your world with success and happiness."

Why Do We Celebrate Diwali?

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  • How do we celebrate Diwali 10 lines? + On Diwali, people light diyas - earthen oil lamps and adorn their homes with colourful rangolis. We clean our homes and decorate it with flowers. Neighbours and families exchange gifts and sweets amongst each other as a symbol of good will, well being and best regards. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped on this day.
  • When are diwali holidays in 2023? + Diwali 2023 is on Sunday November 12, 2023. However, the 1st day of Diwali is Dhanteras on Friday, November 10, 2023. Day 2 is Naraka Chaturdasi (Chotti Diwali) on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Day 3 is the Lakshmi Puja or Diwali on Sunday, November 12, 2023. Day 4 is Govardhan Puja on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Lastly, Day 5 is Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.
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History and Significance of Diwali, the Festival of Lights

A Significant Celebration of Light, Love, and Joy

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The Origins of Diwali

The four days of diwali, dhanteras: the tradition of gambling, the significance of lights and firecrackers, the spiritual significance of diwali, from darkness unto light....

  • M.A., English Literature, University of North Bengal

Deepawali, Deepavali, or Diwali is the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals. It is the festival of lights: deep  means "light" and  avali "a row" to become "a row of lights." Diwali is marked by four days of celebration, which literally illuminates the country with its brilliance and dazzles people with its joy.

The Diwali festival occurs in late October or early November. It falls on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik, so it varies every year. Each of the four days in the festival of Diwali is marked with a different tradition. What remains constant is the celebration of life, its enjoyment, and a sense of goodness.

Historically, Diwali can be traced back to ancient India. It most likely began as an important harvest festival . However, there are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali.

Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, with Lord Vishnu. Others use it as a celebration of her birthday, as Lakshmi is said to have been born on the new-moon day of Kartik.

In Bengal, the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali , the dark goddess of strength. Lord Ganesha —the elephant-headed god and  symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom—is also worshiped in most Hindu homes on this day. In Jainism, Deepawali has the added significance of marking the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of nirvana.

Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama (along with Ma Sita and Lakshman) from his 14-year-long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and set off firecrackers.

Each day of Diwali has its own tale to tell. The first day of the festival,  Naraka Chaturdasi marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. 

Amavasya , the second day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Lakshmi  when she is in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu , who, in his dwarf incarnation, vanquished the tyrant Bali and banished him to hell. Bali is allowed to return to earth once a year to light millions of lamps and dispel darkness and ignorance while spreading the radiance of love and wisdom.

It is on the third day of Deepawali, Kartika Shudda Padyami , that Bali steps out of hell and rules the earth according to the boon given by Lord Vishnu. The fourth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj ), and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.

Some people refer to Diwali as a five-day festival because they include the festival of Dhanteras  ( dhan meaning "wealth" and teras meaning "13th"). This celebration of wealth and prosperity occurs two days before the festival of lights.

The tradition of gambling on Diwali also has a legend behind it. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband  Lord Shiva . She decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the ensuing year.

All of the simple rituals of Diwali have a significance and a story behind them. Homes are illuminated with lights, and firecrackers fill the skies as an expression of respect to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, and prosperity.

According to one belief, the sound of firecrackers indicates the joy of the people living on earth, making the gods aware of their plentiful state. Still another possible reason has a more scientific basis: the fumes produced by the firecrackers kill or repel many insects, including mosquitoes, which are plentiful after the rains.

Beyond the lights, gambling, and fun, Diwali is also a time to reflect on life and make changes for the upcoming year. With that, there are a number of customs that revelers hold dear each year.

Give and forgive.  It is common practice that people forget and forgive the wrongs done by others during Diwali. There is an air of freedom, festivity, and friendliness everywhere. 

Rise and shine. Waking up during the Brahmamuhurta (at 4 a.m., or 1 1/2 hours before sunrise) is a great blessing from the standpoint of health, ethical discipline, efficiency in work, and spiritual advancement. The sages who instituted this Deepawali custom may have hoped that their descendants would realize its benefits and make it a regular habit in their lives.

Unite and unify. Diwali is a unifying event, and it can soften even the hardest of hearts. It is a time when people mingle about in joy and embrace one another.

Those with keen inner spiritual ears will clearly hear the voice of the sages, "O children of God unite, and love all." The vibrations produced by the greetings of love, which fill the atmosphere, are powerful. When the heart has considerably hardened, only a continuous celebration of Deepavali can rekindle the urgent need of turning away from the ruinous path of hatred.

Prosper and progress. On this day, Hindu merchants in North India open their new account books and pray for success and prosperity during the coming year. People buy new clothes for the family. Employers, too, purchase new clothes for their employees.

Homes are cleaned and decorated by day and illuminated by night with earthen oil lamps. The best and finest illuminations can be seen in Bombay and Amritsar. The famous Golden Temple at Amritsar is lit in the evening with thousands of lamps. 

This festival instills charity in the hearts of people, who perform good deeds. This includes Govardhan Puja , a celebration by Vaishnavites on the fourth day of Diwali. On this day, they feed the poor on an incredible scale.

Illuminate your inner self. The lights of Diwali also signify a time of inner illumination. Hindus believe that the light of lights is the one that steadily shines in the chamber of the heart. Sitting quietly and fixing the mind on this supreme light illuminates the soul. It is an opportunity to cultivate and enjoy eternal bliss.

In each legend, myth, and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victory of good over evil. It is with each Deepawali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts that this simple truth finds new reason and hope.

From darkness unto light—the light empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds and brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India, and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of firecrackers, joy, togetherness, and hope.

Diwali is celebrated around the globe . Outside of India, it is more than a Hindu festival; it's a celebration of South-Asian identities. If you are away from the sights and sounds of Diwali, light a diya , sit quietly, shut your eyes, withdraw the senses, concentrate on this supreme light, and illuminate the soul.

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Sri Lankan Tamils celebrate the Diwali festival, in Colombo

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What is Diwali, and how is it celebrated in India and the diaspora?

Diwali is the most important festival of the year in India — and for Hindus in particular.

It is celebrated across faiths by more than a billion people in the world’s most populous nation and the diaspora. Over five days, people take part in festive gatherings, fireworks displays, feasts and prayer.

READ MORE: What is Día de los Muertos? An expert explains the holiday celebrating loved ones who have died

Diwali is derived from the word “Deepavali,” which means “a row of lights.” Celebrants light rows of traditional clay oil lamps outside their homes to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

When is Diwali?

The dates of the festival are based on the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling in late October or early November.

This year, Diwali begins Nov. 10 and the festival will be observed on Nov. 12.

What are some Hindu stories of Diwali?

While Diwali is a major religious festival for Hindus, it is also observed by Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. The origin story of Diwali varies depending on the region. All these stories have one underlying theme — the victory of good over evil.

In southern India, Diwali celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna’s destruction of the demon Naraka who is said to have imprisoned women and tormented his subjects. In northern India, Diwali honors the triumphant return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana, from a 14-year exile in the forest.

How is Diwali celebrated?

The festival brings with it a number of unique traditions, which also vary by the region. What all celebrations have in common are the lights, fireworks, feasting, new clothes and praying.

  • In southern India, many have an early morning warm oil bath to symbolize bathing in the holy River Ganges as a form of physical and spiritual purification.
  • In the north, worshipping the Goddess Lakshmi, who symbolizes wealth and prosperity, is the norm.

Gambling is a popular tradition because of the belief whoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the year. Many people buy gold on the first day of Diwali, known as Dhanteras — an act they believe will bring them good luck.

READ MORE: Largest Hindu temple outside India in the modern era opens in central New Jersey

Setting off firecrackers is a cherished tradition, as is exchanging sweets and gifts among friends and family. Diwali celebrations typically feature rangoli, which are geometric, floral patterns drawn on the floor using colorful powders.

What are the Diwali stories from other faiths?

Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs have their own Diwali stories:

  • Jains observe Diwali as the day the Lord Mahavira, the last of the great teachers, attained nirvana, which is liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
  • Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas — a day that overlaps with Diwali — to commemorate the release of Guru Hargobind, a revered figure in the faith, who had been imprisoned for 12 years by the Mughal emperor Jahangir.
  • Buddhists observe the day as one when the Hindu Emperor Ashoka, who ruled in the third century B.C., converted to Buddhism.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

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essay diwali meaning

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🪔Essay on Diwali in English: Samples 100, 150, 250, and 500 Words  

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  • Updated on  
  • Oct 26, 2023

essay on diwali

Diwali is one of the biggest festivals of India which is celebrated with great fervour. The festival is also known as Deepavali, a beautiful Indian festival that is a symbol of good over evil. The word ‘Diwali’ has been derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali’ which means row of lights. Therefore, during Diwali, people decorate their homes with lights, candles and diyas to showcase how lights have the power to erase the darkness from the world. According to Hindu mythology , Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama from the exile of 14 years. According to the Hindu Calendar, Diwali is celebrated in the month of Kartika. If you are a student and struggling to write an essay on Diwali in English, then this blog will help you greatly. Keep on reading further to get ideas to write a good essay!

essay diwali meaning

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Essay on diwali in 150 words, short diwali essay in 100 words , essay on diwali in 250 words , when is diwali celebrated in india, 5 days of diwali celebration, how is diwali celebrated in india.

Diwali is the most important Hindu festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India. This festival symbolises an important life learning that goodness will always overpower evil instincts. Weeks before Diwali, preparations for it get underway. To begin the preparations, people start cleaning up one’s home and workspace. After this people decorate their homes and offices with lights, lamps, flowers, and other ornamental elements.

As part of the festivities, people purchase new Diwali outfits , house furnishings, and presents for their loved ones. Around this season, the markets are overrun with a wide array of gifts and delicacies. Furthermore, Diwali presents an opportunity to strengthen ties with loved ones.

Also Read: Diwali Celebration Around the World 

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated and significant festivals in India . It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival typically lasts for five days and is marked by the lighting of oil lamps, or diyas, and colourful decorations in homes and streets.

People clean and decorate their houses, exchange gifts, and prepare special sweets. The highlight of this festival is the bursting of fireworks, which fills the night sky with vibrant colours. Families also worship deities, with Goddess Lakshmi , the goddess of wealth, being a central figure during the celebrations.

Beyond the festivities, Diwali holds cultural, religious, and social importance. It fosters a sense of unity and togetherness, as families come together to celebrate. Additionally, the festival carries deep spiritual significance for different communities, including Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, each marking it for various reasons.

To improve your essay writing skills, here are the top 200+ English Essay Topics for school students.

Also Read: Speech on Republic Day for Class 12th

In conclusion, Diwali is a festival that radiates joy, positivity, and the triumph of light and goodness, making it an integral part of India’s rich cultural tapestry.

Also Read: Diwali 2023 Date: When is Diwali in the Indian Calendar, Puja and More

Diwali is the most popular celebration in India which is regarded as the “festival of lights” and represents the spiritual message of the power of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. The holiday of Diwali is mostly associated with Hinduism, although it is also joyfully observed by Sikhs and Jains. This festival’s spiritual importance represents the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Lakshmi, the goddess of riches, and Ganesha, the god of wisdom, are honoured at this celebration. Throughout the nation, its religious significance differs depending on the location. It is commemorated somewhere to honour Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana coming home after a lengthy 14-year exile (according to the Hindu epic Ramayana).

Some people commemorate it in remembrance of the Pandavas’ return to their realm following 12 years of exile and 1 year of Agyatavas, as described in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It is also thought to have begun when Goddess Lakshmi was born following the gods and demons’ churning of the seas. The western and some northern regions of India celebrate Diwali to mark the beginning of a new Hindu year. 

Five days are devoted to celebrating Diwali. These five days are Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Pooja, Govardhan Pooja, and Bhai Dooj. Diwali is a festival where people worship Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Lord Ganesha. On this day, worshipping the goddess Lakshmi is thought to bring success and wealth. People lit candles and diyas after evening puja to spread light. Cleaning homes, stores, and workplaces begin many days before Diwali.

Also Read: Top 10+ Trending Diwali Dress Ideas for 2023!

Diwali Essay in 500 Words 

Throughout the year people wait for the beautiful festival of Diwali. Regarded as one of the biggest festivals for Hindus, Diwali also known as Deepavali, symbolises the victory of good over evil. According to the famous Hindu epic Ramayana, Lord Rama along with his wife and brother – Sita and Laxman,  came back to Ayodhya after completing the exile of 14 years. 

According to the Hindu calendar, Diwali occurs on the Amavasya, or new moon, of the Kartik month, 20 days after the Dussehra celebration . In the Hindu religion, this is one of the most fortunate periods. People wait till this time of year to launch a new company, move into a new home, or buy a large asset like a car, store, jewellery, etc. This event is celebrated due to many mythical tales. People from various parts of India celebrate it for various reasons. But it is usually a massive celebration everywhere.

This beautiful festival is celebrated on a large scale as people start engaging in the festivities weeks before the festival. Some of the common things that are part of Diwali festivities include cleaning and decorating homes and workspaces, buying new clothes, gifts, etc. 

Diwali is considered a festival of five days as  Dhanteras is observed on the first day of the festival, followed by Naraka Chaturdasi on the second, Diwali on the third, Diwali Padva (Govardhan Puja) on the fourth, and Bhai Dooj on the fifth. On the day of the event, many nations declare it a public holiday.

People worship on Diwali to get wealth and prosperity in their lives, people worship the gods Ganesha and Lakshmi. On the day of Diwali, they perform puja with numerous rites. Following puja, people give gifts to their neighbours, relatives, friends, coworkers, etc. One of the primary customs of the Diwali holiday is gift exchange. To deepen their bonds, people pay visits to their coworkers, neighbours, relatives, and friends and give them gifts. 

In addition to the lights and joyous surprises and gifts, Diwali is a time for introspection and making the necessary changes for the next year. To celebrate Diwali, people from all ages, religions, and castes gather together. People embrace one another and mix enthusiastically during this moment.

In essence, Diwali sheds light on who we truly are. The Diwali lights also signify a time for eradicating all of our evil intentions and ideas and leaning forward for a more profound, inward illumination. The Diwali festival represents the rebirth of the soul. During Diwali, one is inspired to make changes to become a healthy and moral individual who is more spiritual and productive at work.

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Diwali is a popular festival of Hindus which is regarded as the festival of light. It is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartik and comes 20 days after Dussehra. Diwali marked the return of Lord Rama, Sita and Laxman back to Ayodhya after completing the exile of 14 years. Diwali festivities include cleaning and decorating homes and workspaces, exchanging gifts and eating mouth-watering sweets and food. 

Diwali is an important festival for Hindus as according to the famous epic Ramayana, Lord Rama came back to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile and defeating Ravana. This beautiful festival of lights symbolizes that goodness will always prevail over evil. 

The five days of Diwali are Dhanteras , Naraka Chaturdasi, Laxmi Puja , Govardhan Puja , and Bhai Dooj . 

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Diwali: Festival of Lights

Learn about India's biggest holiday of the year.

Diwali, or Dipawali, is India 's biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row  (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians.

Over the centuries, Diwali has become a national festival that's also enjoyed by non-Hindu communities. For instance, in Jainism, Diwali marks the nirvana, or spiritual awakening, of Lord Mahavira on October 15, 527 B.C.; in Sikhism, it honors the day that Guru Hargobind Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru, was freed from imprisonment. Buddhists in India celebrate Diwali as well.

Hindus interpret the Diwali story based upon where they live. But there's one common theme no matter where people celebrate: the victory of good over evil.

Learn more about the holiday at National Geographic.

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Diwali Essay

Diwali also called “Deepawali” is a major Hindu festival of India. The festival is celebrated with unequal zeal and pleasure by Hindus, throughout the country. It is celebrated to commemorate the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after an exile of 12 years. Rama is a very popular Hindu deity who is revered for his truthfulness and purity.

Hindus believe that his return was welcomed by the people of Ayodhya by lighting up the streets and houses by small earthen oil lamps; therefore, the Hindus celebrate the day as the festival of lights. Houses decorated with lights of different colours and sizes, earthen lamps glittering at the entrances and over the boundaries and railings make the view mesmerizing. People come out of their houses in new clothes and burn crackers and fireworks.

Speech on Diwali for School Students  |  Speech on Diwali for Teachers  |  Paragraph on Diwali

Long and Short Essay on Diwali in English

Diwali is a religious Hindu festival, celebrated as festival of lights by lighting lamps everywhere at homes, streets, shops, temples, markets, etc.

People of Hindu religion wait very eagerly for this special festival of Diwali . It is the most important and favorite festival of everyone especially for kids and children of the home.

Use following long and short essay on Diwali to make your kids smart enough at home or school and motivate them to know the history and significance of celebrating Diwali festival every year.

You can select anyone of these Diwali essay according to your need:

Short Essay on Diwali – Essay 1 (200 Words)

Diwali is one of the main festivals of Hindus. The preparation for Diwali celebration begins weeks before the festival. People begin with the preparations by cleaning their houses and shops. Every nook and corner of the houses, shops and offices is cleaned before Diwali. These are then decorated with lights, lamps, flowers and other decorative items.

Diwali

People shop for new clothes, home decor items and gifts for their loved ones on this festival. The markets are flooded with variety of gift items and sweets around this time. It is a good time for the businessmen. It is also a good time to bond with our near and dear ones. People visit each other around this time and exchange gifts as a part of the celebration.

On the day of Diwali, people light up their houses with diyas, candles and lights. They also make rangoli and decorate their houses with flowers. The ritual of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha is followed in every Hindu household on the occasion of Diwali. It is said that this brings in prosperity and good luck.

Also known as the festival of lights, Diwali is all about worshiping the deities, burning crackers, having sweets and making merry with the loved ones. It is considered to be one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar.

Essay on Diwali – Festival of Lights and Gifts – Essay 2 (300 Words)

Introduction

Diwali is also known as Deepawali meaning a row of diyas. The festival is celebrated with great zeal throughout India. It is celebrated each year to commemorate the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom, Ayodhya. A series of rituals are performed to celebrate this festival.

Festival of Lights

Lighting diyas is one of the main rituals of this Hindu festival. People buy beautiful earthenware diyas each year and illuminate their entire house as a part of Diwali celebration. It is said that the entire town of Ayodhya was lighted with diyas to welcome Lord Rama, Laxman and Sita. People continue to follow this ritual even today. This is a way to please the deities.

The houses, marketplaces, offices, temples and all the other places are illuminated with lights on this day. Candles, lamps and decorative lights are also lit up to add to the beauty.

Rangolis are made and diyas are placed in between these beautiful creations of art to enhance their look.

Exchange of Gifts

Exchanging gifts is one of the main rituals of the Diwali festival. People visit their colleagues, neighbours, relatives and friends and present gifts to them to strengthen their bond. The Hindu culture teaches us to live in harmony with one another. Diwali, one of the main Hindu festivals, promotes the feeling of brotherhood and unity amid diversity.

While exchanging sweets and boxes of dry fruit was common in the earlier times, these days people look for unique and innovative gift items. Numerous kinds of Diwali gifts are available in the market these days.

People also purchase gifts for their employees and house helps. Many people also visit orphanages and old age homes and distribute gifts there.

People await Diwali all year long and the preparations for its celebration begin almost a month before the festival. People gleefully perform all the rituals associated with it.

Essay on Diwali Celebration – Essay 3 (400 Words)

As per the Hindu calendar, Diwali falls on the new moon (amavasya) during the Kartik month. This is considered to be one of the most auspicious times in the Hindu religion. People wait for this time of the year to start a new business, shift to a new house or purchase a big asset such car, shop, jewellery, etc. A number of mythological stories are associated with the celebration of this festival. People belonging to different regions of India celebrate it for different reasons. However, it calls for a grand celebration everywhere.

Cleaning and Decoration

Diwali celebration begins with the cleaning of the houses and work places. From washing curtains to cleaning the fans, from cleaning every corner of the house to discarding the useless old stuff – Diwali is the time for a thorough cleaning of the houses as well as work places. Many cleaning agencies offer special discounts and offers around Diwali and make good business.

People also shop for various home decor items to redecorate their places. The houses are decorated with diyas, lights, lanterns, candles, flowers, drapes and many other decorative items.

Sharing the Joy

People visit their relatives, neighbours and friends. They exchange gifts and spend time with each other. Many people host Diwali parties to celebrate the festival with their loved ones. The joy of celebration doubles up this way.

Many residential societies organize Diwali parties to celebrate the occasion. It is a great way to rejoice in the festival.

Worshipping the Deities

Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped during the evening hours. People wear new clothes and offer prayers to the deities. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on this day brings in wealth, prosperity and good luck.

Burning of Fire Crackers and Increasing Pollution

Fire crackers are also burnt as a part of Diwali celebrations. Large numbers of crackers are burnt on this day each year. While it offers momentary pleasure, its repercussions are extremely harmful. It adds to air, noise and land pollution. Many people suffer due to the pollution caused.

Diwali without fire crackers would be much more beautiful. The newer generations must be sensitized about the harmful effects of burning crackers and should be encouraged to celebrate this festival without fireworks.

Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is a mark of the Hindu tradition. It is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm by the Hindu families year after year. It is time to spread joy, love and laughter and not pollution.

Essay on Why do we Celebrate Diwali? – Essay 4 (500 Words)

Diwali falls sometime between the mid of October and mid of November. It is one of the main festivals of Hindus. The festival is celebrated for different reasons in different parts of India. A number of rituals form a part of the Diwali celebrations. Illuminating houses with diyas and candles and worshiping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are among the main rituals.

Why Do we Celebrate Diwali?

While it is largely believed that Diwali is celebrated to rejoice the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, many other folklores and mythological stories are associated with it. Here are some of the reasons why this festival is celebrated.

The Return of Lord Rama

It is believed that on this day, Lord Rama returned to his hometown Ayodhya after staying in exile for fourteen long years. He was accompanied by his brother Lakshman and wife Sita. Sita was abducted by the demon, Ravana. She was kept as a hostage in his kingdom until Lord Rama defeated him and brought her back. As Lord Rama, Lakshman and Sita returned to Ayodhya, the people were thrilled and excited.

The entire town was illuminated with diyas. Sweets were distributed and people made merry. This is how we continue to celebrate this day even today.

The Harvest Festival

In some parts of the country, Diwali is considered to be a harvest festival. This is because it is the time when rice is cultivated. Since, India is mainly an agricultural economy this is the time for celebration. Grand celebration is held at this time. The festival holds special importance for the farmers.

The Legend of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi

It is said that King Bali had imprisoned Goddess Lakshmi. It was on this day that Lord Vishnu disguised himself and set the Goddess free from the evil king. The day thus calls for a celebration. In many parts of the country, people celebrate Diwali to rejoice the return of Goddess Lakshmi.

The Birth of Goddess Lakshmi

It is said that Goddess Lakshmi was born on the new moon of the Kartik month. Thus, in certain regions, Diwali is celebrated to rejoice the birth of Goddess Lakshmi who is worshipped during the evening hours on this day. Goddess Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity and the Hindus hold high regard for her.

The ritual of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha is followed in every Hindu household on the day of Diwali.

No matter what the reason, Diwali is celebrated with immense enthusiasm across India as well as some other countries. Cleaning the house, shopping for new clothes, sweets and gifts, decorating the house, illuminating lamps, offering prayers, burning fire crackers and meeting loved ones are some of the rituals followed on Diwali.

Diwali brings us closer to our near and dear ones. People of all age groups await this festival and look forward to celebrate it with their loved ones. Every member of the family takes active part in the Diwali celebration. People religiously follow all the rituals that form a part of the Diwali celebrations and pass them on to the next generations.

Essay on Diwali, Pollution and Eco-friendly Diwali – 5 (600 Words)

Diwali is the time to meet and greet our loved ones, prepare delicious sweets, wear new clothes, redecorate the house and worship Goddess Lakshmi. It is also the time to burn fire crackers. While all the Diwali rituals are beautiful and pious, burning fire crackers to rejoice the day is not appreciated much. This is because it adds to the pollution in the atmosphere.

Diwali Celebrations

Diwali is being celebrated in India since the ancient times. It is a day to celebrate the victory of light over darkness. This is because as per Hindu mythology, this was the day when Lord Rama returned to his kingdom Ayodhya after staying in exile for 14 years. He returned victorious after killing the demon, Ravana and freeing Sita from his clutches.

The effigies of Ravana are burnt across India on Dussehra each year. It marks the victory of good over evil. Diwali falls twenty days later. The houses and marketplaces are illuminated with beautiful diyas and lights to celebrate Diwali. Rangolis are made and decorative items are used to enhance the beauty of these places. People decorate their houses after cleaning them thoroughly to welcome Goddess Lakshmi who is worshipped on this day. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi; the Goddess of wealth, only visits places that are clean and beautiful.

People visit each other and exchange gifts as a part of the Diwali celebrations. Many people host house parties on this day. It is a great time to bond with our relatives and friends. Many offices and residential societies host Diwali parties a day or two before the festival.

Children especially look forward to burn fire crackers on this day. They gather around and rejoice the festival by burning different kinds of crackers.

Diwali Pollution: A Matter of Concern

Diwali is an auspicious day. The entire atmosphere is filled with the air of festivity and joy around this time. However, it eventually fills with pollution. The fire crackers burnt on this day are a complete put off. Burning crackers is said to be a ritual on Diwali. People burn thousands of crackers in the name of ritual on this day each year. This results in the increase in pollution levels in the atmosphere. The sky turns hazy and the consequences are harmful. It gives way to many health problems. This is especially unsafe for asthmatic patients, heart patients, pregnant women, elderly people and infants. It is difficult to step out on Diwali as well as days after the festival.

The burning of crackers does not only pollute the air but also causes noise pollution. It is particularly disturbing for sick and elderly people, small kids, students and animals.

Eco-Friendly Diwali: A Good Idea

It is high time we must behave as responsible citizens and stop burning crackers to celebrate Diwali or any other occasion for that matter. We must celebrate eco-friendly Diwali.

We must say no to crackers and advise those around us to do the same. Parents must take this as their responsibility to tell their kids about the negative repercussions of burning crackers. Kids must also be sensitized about the same in the schools. This will help in bringing down the fire works on Diwali.

Apart from the measures that people can take at their end, it is important to put a check on the sale of fire crackers. The government must intervene for the same. The production and sale of fire crackers must be banned or at least some restriction should be put on the same.

Diwali is a sacred festival. We must maintain its sanctity by celebrating it the right way. We should refrain from burning crackers owing to the harmful effects it has on the environment that ultimately impacts life on Earth.

Diwali Essay – 6 (1000 words)

Diwali is the most significant Hindu festival celebrated all over the India in the autumn season every year. The spiritual significance of this festival indicates the victory of light over darkness. It is a five days long festival celebrated by the people with huge preparations and rituals. It falls every year in the month of October or November. Many days ago of the festival, people start cleaning, renovating and decorating their homes and offices. They purchase new dresses, decorative things like diyas, lamps, candles, puja materials, statue of God and Goddess and eating things especially for Diwali.

People do worship of God Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi for getting wealth and prosperity in their life. They perform puja on main Diwali with lots of rituals. After puja, they get involved in the fireworks activities and then distribute gifts to each other among neighbors, family members, friends, offices, etc. People celebrate Dhanteras on first day, Naraka Chaturdasi on second day, Diwali on third day, Diwali Padva  (Govardhan Puja) on fourth day, and Bhai Dooj on fifth day of the festival. It becomes official holiday in many countries on the day of festival.

Celebration of Diwali with Family without Crackers

Diwali is my favorite festival of the year and I celebrate it with lots of enthusiasm with my family members and friends. Diwali is called as the festival of lights because we celebrate it by lighting lots of diyas and candles. It is a traditional and cultural festival celebrated by each and every Hindu person all over India and abroad. People decorate their houses with lots of candles and small clay oil lamps indicating the victory of good over evil.

Family members spend their most of the day time in preparing house (cleaning, decorating, etc) to welcome the festival with grand evening party. Neighbors, family members, and friends gets collected in the evening party and enjoy the party with lots of delicious Indian dishes, dance, music, etc all through the night. Houses look very attractive in white wash, candle lights and rangolis. High pitch music and fireworks makes the celebration more interesting.

People go to their home by taking off from their job, offices and other works; students also book their train around three months ago to easily go to their home on Diwali festival because everyone wants to celebrate this festival with their family members in the home town. People generally enjoy the festival by feasting, bursting crackers and enjoying the dance with family and friends.

However, it is prohibited by the doctors to got outside and enjoy firecrackers especially people suffering from lung or heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes, etc. Such people have to knock the doctor’s door because of consuming highly saturated food and sweets in high amount and lack of exercises and pollution caused by crackers in these days.

Significance of Diwali

Diwali festival is celebrated by the people with great revelry and lots of fun and frolic activities. It becomes the happiest holiday for Indian people in the year and celebrated with significant preparations. It is the festival of high significance for Indian people during which people clean their homes, decorate, do shopping, buy new things including gifts, kitchen utensils, appliances, cars, golden jewelry, etc and perform so many rituals.

There are many ancient stories, legends, and myths about celebrating this festival. Girls and women of the home do shopping and make rangolis in creative patterns on the floors near to the doors and walkways of home. There are little variations in the celebration of this festival according to the regional practices and rituals.

The spiritual significance of this festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and victory of good over evil. It is celebrated to honor the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi and God of wisdom, Ganesha. Its religious significance varies according to the region all through the country. Somewhere, it is celebrated to honor the returning of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana to their home after long exile period of 14 years (according to Hindu epic Ramayana).

Some people celebrate it to remember the return of Pandavas to their kingdom after 12 years of Vanvas and one year of agyatavas (according to Hindu epic Mahabharata). It is also believed that it was started celebrating when Goddess Lakshmi was born after churning the ocean by the gods and demons. Diwali celebration also indicates the start of a new Hindu year in the west and some northern parts of India. It is celebrated by the people of Sikh religion to mark the Bandi Chhor Divas by lighting up the Golden Temple. It is celebrated by the people of Jain religion to mark the Nirvana attained by the Mahavira.

Pollution on Diwali

Together with the Diwali celebration, there is indirect increase in the environmental pollution all over the world because of the bursting of various types of firecrackers during this festival. Such firecrackers are very dangerous as they release toxic pollutants like sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and so many etc which gets intermingled into the air and causes variety of ailments like asthma, bronchitis, hypertension, etc. It affects the people of all age group however those people who already suffer any type of ailment. Together with the human beings, it also affects the lives of animals, birds and other living beings due to air and noise pollution.

Now-a-days, there is a campaign run by the government to celebrate pollution free Diwali all over the country. Schools and various organizations also organizes various demonstrations prior to the celebration to educate and aware students for pollution-free festival. Environment and pollution departments also do many efforts by publishing pollution free news in the various newspapers to aware people and curb noise and air pollution because of firecrackers. Bursting sound-emitting firecrackers has been banned by the Supreme Court especially during 10 pm to 6 am.

Air and water pollution is also caused by the decay of remnants of fireworks and deluge of garbage like empty bottles, papers used to light off rockets, gift wrappers, dried flowers, etc at the nook and corners of the city. We all should practice celebrating the pollution free Diwali every year in order to save and enjoy the natural beauty of environment forever.

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Understanding the Significance of Diwali as a Representation of the Indian Culture Research Paper

Introduction, usual diwali celebration style, diwali celebrations in other countries, the european and australian diwali, festival celebration in usa and canada, diwali in other parts of the world, incorporating diwali in other traditions, works cited.

India is a beautiful country. It has unique festivals one of which is Diwali, otherwise known as Deepavali, the festival of lights. This festival is undoubtedly the most popular of the Hindu festivals.

Like most of the festivals celebrated mainly by Hindus, Diwali has a mythology and a historical basis behind it. Legend stories purport that Hanuman, the monkey god, crucial devotee of Lord Rama, brought the long-awaited message, declaring Rama’s return to his kingdom following an exile of fourteen years.

People refer the festival to as the festival of Sweets. Giving sweets is an activity that has become a tradition in these celebrations.

Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains celebrate the festival that lasts for five days. The dates vary based on the Indian lunar calendar (Robinson 123). The celebration has extended outside India to the Diaspora.

It is a mainstream in Britain and countries like Indonesia, the United States, Malaysia, and Singapore. They have incorporated the festival in their local traditions (Robinson 123). Besides eating Indian food, most people outside India are still unfamiliar with the usual Diwali food.

The most common food during this celebratory period is sharing and eating sweets. Indians and other people celebrating the festival eat plenty of sweets during that time.

They also prepare confectioneries, desserts and sweetmeats, which come between snacks that people eat all the time. The sweetmeats or ‘Mithai’, as popularly known, are the most common and the favorite foodstuffs. It is hence the foods, which capture Indian cookery psyche outside India.

In India, it is customary for family members and friends to come together in the celebration. They also exchange gifts. In most cases, they exchange sweets, candy, dried fruits, and other snacks (Robinson 124). People dress up well for the occasion. They share, and exchange gifts of clothes and perfumes as customary activities.

Since Diwali is significant to Indians as Christmas is for Christians, its celebration is extremely essential. During this celebration, people have their homes lit up with candles. They decorate the streets and businesses with lights.

Hindus in other parts of the world celebrate Diwali in a unique way. In the South East Asia, and Indian populations elsewhere in the world, people celebrate the Diwali somewhat differently. Where the Hindus are fewer, they only put on lights and celebrate it in their homes.

On the other hand, when they are many, they take the celebration seriously. The Indians make the celebration seem like a tremendous cultural scene. The United Kingdom has a well-established Indian demography, which allows the country to conduct bigger public events (Richman 67).

Since there are many Indians in Australia and Europe, people conduct the large-scale Diwali events like carnivals and fairs in cities. In Australia, the celebrations are common in Melbourne and Sydney. In the United Kingdom, they are mainly in London (Richman 67).

Featuring in these events are fabulous firework displays, public music and dance performances, stalls that provide services mainly painting henna, stalls selling assorted Diwali sweets, herbs, savories, and people often burning an effigy of the demon King Ravana (Plum-Ucci 12).

People also dress up nicely for the occasion with women wearing their best jewels and silk outfits. Some put on mehendi, temporary decorations of henna on their palms. Since people also refer the celebration to as the celebration of lights, they light various lights: candles, and lanterns, at the event, in houses and even around homes (Plum-Ucci 17).

The women present sweets on shiny, silver trays and garnish the dishes with candlelights called diyas and some time with jewels and flower petals (Plum-Ucci 55).

The Indians in Britain are usually enthusiastic about this festival (Richman 69). They clean their homes, decorating them with lights, mainly candles and lamps. The most salient part is that they also exchange gifts. This tradition goes back to the harvest time when people could offer gifts of their harvest.

Today, they give sweets. The common sweets are barfis and laddoos. Different Hindu communities come together in a central place like in London for the celebrations (Richman 69).

As the event has become more popular, people have observed non-Indians also joining the Diwali festivals. Sometimes the festival of light falls on same dates as the British Bonfire Night on fifth of November. This inspires joint celebrations, which are thrilling (Richman 71).

In Australia, Diwali is not a public holiday recognized across the country. Nonetheless, there is always traffic during the event. Parking places remain fully parked during the period of holding the event. Most Indians close their businesses for the celebrations.

Their Indian community has sent a request to make Diwali a public holiday in the country. In Australia, it is customary for families and friends to share and exchange gifts. In most cases, these gifts are sweets, dried fruits and candy. However, during the main festivity, elaborate food takes center stage.

There is also exchange of perfumes, clothes and soaps as gifts. Other appropriate gifts are lamps, candle stands and fireworks.

All the communities with Indian populations, or those who identify themselves as Hindus, always celebrate the festival of lights (Plum-Ucci 18). The celebrations here are mostly in homes. In Canada, some families organize trips to Niagara Falls in Ontario where the festival of lights takes place.

This often happens because the winter festival and Diwali often fall on the same dates (Coward, Hinnells, and Williams 232). This Niagara festival is usually a spectacular event with an amazing display of lights and fireworks. There is usually adequate entertainment for families ranging from food, music and dance among other activities (Khandelwa 61).

In America, there are some cities with large populations of Indians and Asians. Hence, these communities sponsor large Diwali events (Shah 43).

For instance, Cupertino in California has set a day aside for which the celebration of lights takes place. There is usually, music and dance, cultural performances, foods and gift vending and many other forms of entertainment in cities (Coward, Hinnells, and Williams 232).

In cities, where there are diverse populations, people honor the event. The celebrations take place in Hindu temples like New York (Khandelwa 61), Phoenix, Chicago and Minneapolis. These communities still honor the celebration of lights by lighting up their houses just to celebrate the victory of Rama against demon king Ravana (Torpe 7).

This symbolizes the victory of light over darkness (Plum-Ucci 23). Hindus believe that, during this day, the goddess of happiness roams the earth during the day of celebrating Diwali.

She looks for the purest, cleanest and brightest house, which she enters. It is apparent that the celebration differs in different parts of the world. However, they maintain the general spiritual meaning. That is to increase awareness of the inner light.

In Asia, especially Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, people celebrate Diwali by placing lamps and candles on banana leaves together with coins and incense sticks. People then float these lights on a river. The view of thousands of candles along a river is always spectacular during the evening of the Diwali celebrations.

In Thailand, one can describe the Diwali celebration as insanely huge. They refer it to as Lam Kriyongh. In Singapore, people refer the celebration to as ‘Deepavali’. The government recognizes it as a public holiday. Its uniqueness is that, a light-up Little India District typically marks it.

The celebration is almost as Diwali customs in India where people come out exchange gifts, have merry performances. Distribution of sweets is the best part of the celebration, as it involves the giving out of sweets of different types.

In Nepal, people refer Diwali to as ‘Swanti’ or ‘Tihar’. The celebrations last for five days just like in the other countries though traditions done during the celebration slightly vary from those done in India.

People decorate the entire country with various lights and lamps in celebration of victory of Rama (Torpe 8). Women prepare exceptional foodstuffs especially sweets of different forms for making this festivity (Ganeshram, and Velloti 135). There are also lively performances, fireworks and crackers everywhere.

In Mauritius, Africa, people celebrate the event with considerable passion. It has been an age-old custom. The native believe the celebration begun even before the return of Lord Rama (Plum-Ucci 6). Diwali here holds a distinct significance for the natives for the coronation of Rama as King.

People celebrate by lighting earthen lamps in lines that make images and they worship Lakshmi (Torpe 6), the goddess of earth (Shah 41). They also burn crackers to scare the evil spirits roaming the earth.

In the western nations, Diwali celebrations are evidently not as typical as they are in India. There are often some little variations from the traditional way of celebration (Shah 41).

In most cases, the elements of the Hindu culture, which may relate to Diwali, are also present in the celebration to highlight Indian customs and culture. Dances and songs prevalent in Hindu culture often find their way into the celebrations (Khandelwa 61).

For example, it is not a surprise to find men and women performing the ‘Dandiya Rasa’ dance in Diwali celebration outside India. This dance features wooden sticks. Besides, in other places, one has to see Punjabi Bhangra songs and Bhangra dances that people perform during the festival of light (Coward, Hinnells, and Williams 233).

The dance and songs date back to the eleventh century. During that time, the Punjabi farmers would celebrate the coming of the harvest season by dancing to Bhangra folk dance.

The Punjabi musicians who have travelled to western countries popularized the folk dance hence causing the dance to be a popular culture in certain aspects of the western society.

Bhangra is currently popular in the United Kingdom and Canada. Because of the zeal to popularize the Indian culture during such fairs and festivities, there are numerous Indian merchandise also sold during these events besides the food not related to the festival (Khandelwa 61).

Therefore, the festival of lights in countries abroad forms a frightfully convincing way of knowing the Indian culture and understanding Hindu religion. In fact, some places the celebration is all about getting to know the Indian tradition.

The Diwali is a prominent religious celebration for three religious groups – the third largest celebration in the world (Torpe 4). Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains celebrate it. The festival is becoming more popular across the worlds, as more people from different nationalities, ethnicities, and races join in the festivals (Khandelwa 62).

When joining a Diwali festival, it is indispensable to expect more than just gifts. There is usually colorful pomp with elaborate meals, singing and dancing, as well as many other activities associated with the culture.

The goal of Diwali is to teach a tremendously significant lesson to everyone. That ‘good’ always triumphs over ‘evil’ the same way Lord Rama won the battle (Torpe 4).

The festival reminds people of the importance of thanksgiving. It helps in teaching family values and friendships, thus, persuading people to value these things.

Above all, the ceremony teaches people to be charitable to the less fortunate in the society. At this time, it encourages people to share and offer gifts to others. During Diwali, people usually salute one another in English as ‘happy Diwali’ (Coward, Hinnells, and Williams 232).

From the Diwali celebrations across the world, it is evident that without sweets, then the event will not qualify as Diwali. The sweets sweeten the ceremony for everyone attending it.

The sweets are exchanged among everyone: young and old, and male and female. Hindus also share the sweets with other people from other religions, mostly those connected to them. The habit of giving gifts is also encouraging, as it spreads joy to every person involved, whether in India or abroad.

Coward, Harold. Hinnells, John, and Williams, Raymond. The South Asian Religious Diaspora in Britain, Canada, and the United States . New York: Suny Press. 2000. Print.

Ganeshram, Ramin, and Vellotti, Jean-Paul. Sweet Hands: Island Cooking from Trinidad & Tobago . New York: Hippocrene Books, 2006. Print.

Khandelwa, Madhulika. Becoming American, Being Indian: An Immigrant Community in New York City . Ithaca, NY City: Cornell University. 2002. Print.

Plum-Ucci, Carol. Celebrate Diwali. New York: Associated Press, 2005. Print.

Richman, Paula. A Diaspora Ramayana in Southall, Greater London. Journal of the American Academy of Religion 67.1 (1999): 21-30. Print.

Robinson, James. Hinduism . New York: InfoBase Publishing. 2004. Print.

Shah, Manju. Celebrating Diwali in America. Journal of South Asian Literature 30.1 (1995): 41-50. Print.

Torpe, Kate. Diwali . New York: Crabtree Publishing Company, 2008. Print.

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1. IvyPanda . "Understanding the Significance of Diwali as a Representation of the Indian Culture." January 21, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/understanding-the-significance-of-diwali-as-a-representation-of-the-indian-culture/.

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Essay on Diwali in English (150, 200, 300, 400 Words)

essay diwali meaning

Diwali, often called the "Festival of Lights," is a widely celebrated and cherished festival in India. In this essay, we will explore the significance and traditions of Diwali in simple and easy-to-understand language.

Diwali is a prominent and much-awaited occasion, and people often search for "Diwali essay in English" to learn more about it. The festival represents the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It is a time for joy, togetherness, and spreading love and positivity. Diwali typically lasts for five days, and each day holds a special meaning and ritual.

The highlight of Diwali is the lighting of oil lamps and candles, which adorn homes, streets, and public spaces, creating a mesmerizing, illuminated atmosphere. People exchange gifts, share sweets, and wear new clothes. Children eagerly look forward to Diwali for the treats they receive. As we delve deeper into this essay, we will learn about the stories, legends, and customs associated with Diwali, which make it a remarkable and culturally rich celebration in India. So, let's embark on this journey to discover the magic and significance of Diwali.

Diwali Essay In English 150 Words ( For Classes 4 And 5 Students)

Essays on Diwali in 150 words are suitable for class 4 and 5 students. This is one of the most important essays that comes in exams each year.

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Diwali essays with a word limit of 200 words are important for English exams of 6,7, and 8-class students.

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Essay on Diwali for School Students and Children

500+ words essay on diwali.

First of all, understand that India is the land of festivals. However, none of the festivals comes close to Diwali. It is certainly one of the biggest festivals in India. It is probably the brightest festival in the world. People of different religions celebrate Diwali. Most noteworthy, the festival signifies the victory of light over darkness. This also means the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It is known as the festival of lights. Consequently, there are bright lights all over the whole country during Diwali. In this essay on Diwali, we will see the religious and spiritual significance of Diwali.

Essay on Diwali

The Religious Significance of Diwali

The religious significance of this festival has differences. It varies from one region to another in India. There is an association of many deities, cultures, and traditions with Diwali. The reason for these differences is probably local harvest festivals. Hence, there was a fusion of these harvest festivals into one pan-Hindu festival.

According to the Ramayana, Diwali is the day of the return of Rama. This day Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya along with his wife Sita. This return was made after Rama defeated demon King Ravana. Furthermore, Rama’s brother Lakshmana and Hanuman also came back to Ayodhya victorious.

There is another popular tradition for the reason of Diwali. Here Lord Vishnu as an incarnation of Krishna killed Narakasura. Narakasura was certainly a demon. Above all, this victory brought the release of 16000 captive girls.

Furthermore, this victory shows the triumph of good over evil. This is due to Lord Krishna being good and Narakasura being evil.

Association of Diwali to Goddess Lakshmi is the belief of many Hindus. Lakshmi is the wife of Lord Vishnu. She also happens to be the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.

According to a legend, Diwali is the night of Lakshmi wedding. This night she chose and wed Vishnu. Eastern India Hindus associate Diwali with Goddess Durga or kali. Some Hindus believe Diwali to be the start of a new year.

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The Spiritual Significance of Diwali

First of all, many people try to forgive people during Diwali. It is certainly an occasion where people forget disputes. Therefore, friendships and relationships get stronger during Diwali. People remove all feelings of hatred from their hearts.

essay diwali meaning

This light festival brings peace to people. It brings the light of peace to the heart. Diwali certainly brings spiritual calmness to people. Sharing joy and happiness is another spiritual benefit of Diwali. People visit each other’s houses during this festival of lights. They do happy communication, eat good meals, and enjoy fireworks.

Finally, to sum it up, Diwali is a great joyful occasion in India. One cannot imagine the delightful contribution of this glorious festival. It is certainly one of the greatest festivals in the world.

essay diwali meaning

FAQs on Diwali

Q.1 Why there is are differences in the religious significance of Diwali?

A.1 There certainly are differences in the religious significance of Diwali. This is due to the local harvest festivals. These festivals certainly came together to form one pan-Hindu festival.

Q.2 Tell how Diwali brings prosperity?

A.2 Diwali brings prosperity as Hindu merchants open new account books on Diwali. Furthermore, they also pray for success and prosperity.

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Essay On Diwali

Essay on Diwali

Introduction

Diwali, otherwise known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. It is a five-day long festival filled with lights, sweets, and joy. One of the main reasons why Diwali is celebrated is to signify the victory of good over evil. The festival of Diwali is celebrated by millions of people in India and is also celebrated by Indian communities across the globe.

History and Origin

Diwali’s origin goes back thousands of years. It is believed to have started as a harvest festival. It was celebrated for three days and was a way for farmers to thank the gods for the harvest. However, in the 7th century Emperor Harsha of Northern India made it a public holiday.

The Diwali most Hindus celebrate today, however, is the festival that marks the homecoming of Lord Rama from exile, after defeating the evil demon king Ravana. Diwali falls on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, usually in October or November.

Another legend behind the festival is that of King Bali, who was a benevolent demon king, revered by the people. The gods became insecure because of Bali’s immense popularity and asked Lord Vishnu to intervene. Vishnu, disguised as a dwarf, tricked Bali by asking for land equal to three strides. Bali, thinking it easy to give such a small amount, agreed. Vishnu took his giant form and in two strides covered the earth and the skies. For the third stride, he asked Bali where to put his foot. Bali offered his own head, expecting to be killed. Vishnu – impressed by Bali’s honesty – granted Bali a boon, giving him the right to return to Earth once a year to light up his kingdom with lamps. Thus, it is believed that Bali returns every year during Diwali.

Preparation and Celebration

Diwali is celebrated over five days. The first day is Dhanteras, which is also known as the festival of wealth. People buy gold and silver jewelry, utensils, and other items for their homes on this day, as it is believed that buying something new brings good luck and wealth.

The second day of Diwali is called Choti Diwali or small Diwali. On this day, people light diyas, small lamps made from clay, and burst firecrackers.

The third day is the main day of Diwali. It is on this day that people wear new clothes, perform a puja, or prayer, and light diyas inside and outside their homes. People also exchange sweets and gifts with family and friends. In the evening, firecrackers are burst.

The fourth day is Govardhan Puja, which is celebrated to honor Lord Krishna who defeated Indra, the God of thunder, and rain.

The fifth and final day of Diwali is called Bhai Duj, which is a day to celebrate the bond between siblings.

Diwali around the world

Diwali isn’t just celebrated in India but in other countries too. Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka are among the countries that celebrate Diwali in some form or another. In Malaysia, it is called Hari Diwali and is a public holiday. In Trinidad and Tobago, the Diwali celebrations are a national holiday. There are also significant Indian communities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia that celebrate the festival of Diwali.

Environmental concerns

The tradition of bursting firecrackers is a major part of Diwali celebrations, but it is not without its environmental concerns. The firecrackers contain harmful chemicals like sulfur, potassium, and aluminum powder, which can lead to air pollution and health issues like respiratory problems. In recent years, there have been calls to celebrate Diwali without fireworks or with less hazardous alternatives such as sparklers or flower pots.

Diwali is one of the most loved festivals of India, and it is celebrated with great zeal all over the country. It is a time when people come together to light up their homes, exchange sweets and gifts, and burst firecrackers. However, it is also a time to reflect on the significance of the festival and its origins. For Hindus, it is a time to remember the triumph of good over evil and to express gratitude for the good things in their lives. Diwali is a spectacularly beautiful and meaningful festival, and it is a true symbol of the rich cultural heritage of India.

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Diwali - Definition and Facts

Updated 25 June 2022

Subject Buddhism ,  Holidays

Downloads 59

Category Culture ,  Life ,  Religion ,  World

Topic Color ,  Diwali ,  Festival ,  Hinduism ,  Holi Festival ,  India ,  Indian Culture ,  Jainism ,  Ramayana

Diwali is a major festival celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs. This festival celebrates the earth's renewal. Generally, it lasts for five days, during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika. For more information about Diwali, read on. This article provides a basic overview of the festival. Learn about the history of Diwali, its meaning, and its celebration.Diwali is a festival of lightsThe festival of Diwali is a major celebration celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. Typically lasting five days, it is observed during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika. This year, the celebration will focus on the use of natural light in the home. The festival is the perfect opportunity to share the spirit of love and unity by spreading joy and light throughout the home. In fact, there are countless ways you can celebrate this festival, including by participating in local or national events that celebrate the festivities.The traditional way to celebrate this festival is to make rangolis, elaborate patterns made of colored rice, flowers, or other materials. Besides lighting candles, food is also an important part of the celebration. New York, San Antonio, and the White House have all hosted huge celebrations of the festival. Despite the widespread coronavirus epidemic, many people are choosing to celebrate this festival in a more intimate manner.It is celebrated in IndiaDuring Diwali, people light earthen lamps. These lamps are then placed in temples, courtyards, cowsheds, and cremation grounds. It is also celebrated as the anniversary of the release of Guru Hargobind Singh Ji from a fourteen-year prison by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The Golden Temple, the city's most famous landmark, is illuminated with colorful lights during the festival. People search for flights to India during this season and try to get the cheapest airline tickets.The festival of Diwali begins with Dussehra, which is a three-day celebration that is followed by the performance of the Ramlila, a dramatic drama of the Ramayan by actors. In the western part of India, the festival is celebrated for five days, while in the eastern part, it is celebrated for only four days. The festival is considered auspicious in both North and Western India.Celebrated by Hindus across the globe, Diwali is the festival of lights. Known as the "festival of lights," the festival commemorates the triumph of good over evil. The day after the festival marks the start of the new year for some Hindu communities. Other South Asian communities also celebrate the holiday, which is marked by the lighting of oil lamps and the exchange of gifts. Diwali is also a time to give thanks for the blessings in one's life.The name Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning "row of lights." The festival is celebrated around the world, with the traditional ritual of lighting up the diya - an oil lamp made of clay with a flattened rim. Diyas are filled with oil and a cotton wick is placed half-way into the oil. Half of the wick is placed on a small shelf on the rim of the diya. Nowadays, people use tea lights instead of diyas.It is a time to reconnect with the earthAs we celebrate Diwali, let us take a moment to appreciate the festival of lights. The light-filled festival represents a new beginning, a time to give thanks for our blessings and to celebrate life. For those who follow the Hindu religion, Diwali is the celebration of light and hope. To celebrate this festival, we should do the following:The celebration of Diwali has different meanings for different people. Throughout the day, people gather to exchange gifts, lighting firecrackers, and sharing delicious food. Throughout the celebration, you will most likely smell the sweet fragrance of burning firecrackers. While Diwali celebrations in the year 2021 will not be as noisy or colorful as previous years, they will certainly be a time of joy and harmony.It celebrates the triumph of good over evilDiwali is a five-day festival of lights celebrated throughout India. The main day is Thursday, when Hindus light earthen oil lamps to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil. In Sanskrit, the word for Diwali means "row of clay lamps," and the festival is a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.This celebration of light over darkness commemorates the return of Prince Rama to his native land after 14 years of exile in the north. In this story, Rama rescued Sita, the incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi, from the evil Ravana. Sri Krishna defeated the demon king Narakasura, who imprisoned 16,000 women in his palace and attacked those who dared to oppose him. The god Vishnu banished him to the underworld.

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Essay on Diwali- India is a land of festivals and each festival has its own significance. These festivals are a unique way to teach people the basic values of humanity. Diwali is also among these widely celebrated festivals of India that bring the families and friends together.

Diwali is a festival of Hindu religion. However, people of other religions too celebrate Diwali. It is a festival of light as Diwali refers to “a row of diya or light”. Diwali teaches victory of good over evil, darkness over light and knowledge over unawareness. Read the below essay on Diwali to know significance, why and how to celebrate Diwali. Also Read |  Essay on Pollution

Why do we celebrate Diwali?

We celebrate Diwali on the full moon of Kartik month, as per the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated to express joy and happiness as on this day Lord Rama returned back to Ayodhya, along with Goddess Sita and Lakshman, from exile of 14 years. During this period, Lord Rama defeated Ravana. Also Read |  Essay on My School

Another belief about Diwali is that Goddess Lakshmi married to Lord Vishnu on this day. Some religious books also mentioned that Krishna, an avatar of lord vishnu, killed Narakasura, who imprisoned 16000 girls. Krishna set those girls free by killing Narakasura.

How is Diwali Celebrated?

People celebrate diwali by worshiping Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati. It is believed that on this day, worshipping Goddess Lakshmi brings prosperity and success. After evening puja, people lit diyas and candles to spread light. The preparation for Diwali starts many days before the festival, with the cleaning of houses, shops and the workplace. People also decorate their homes with rangoli and colourful lights. Also Read |  Essay on Mahatama Gandhi

The celebration of diwali includes wearing new clothes, making and eating delicious dishes, firing crackers, and more. However, from the past few years, the government put limitations on burning crackers as they cause lots of air and noise pollution. Hence, nowadays people celebrate eco-friendly diwali. 

Learning from Diwali

No matter how big or strong the evil is, good always wins. Truth and knowledge are the base of a happy life. Another important learning of Diwali is that cleanliness brings prosperity and wealth, hence people should keep themselves and their homes clean not only from outside but also inside. Also Read- Essay on Internet

Essay On Diwali in 100 Words

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm across India and other parts of the world. It marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. During Diwali, people decorate their homes with colorful lights, lamps, and rangoli designs. They exchange gifts, sweets, and greetings with family and friends. Fireworks are lit to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. Diwali also holds religious significance, with prayers offered to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and wealth. It is a time of unity, joy, and renewal, bringing communities together in celebration.

Essay On Diwali in 200 Words

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists. It signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

The festival usually lasts for five days and is marked by various rituals and traditions. People clean and decorate their homes with colorful rangoli designs, diyas (earthen lamps), and lights to welcome the goddess Lakshmi, the symbol of wealth and prosperity.

On the day of Diwali, families come together to perform puja (prayers) to seek the blessings of the gods and goddesses. They offer sweets, fruits, and flowers as offerings and light diyas to illuminate their homes.

Fireworks are a significant part of Diwali celebrations, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and driving away evil spirits. The night sky lights up with colorful displays, filling the air with joy and excitement.

Diwali is also a time for exchanging gifts and sweets with loved ones, strengthening bonds and spreading happiness. People wear new clothes, visit friends and relatives, and enjoy festive feasts together.

Beyond the religious and cultural significance, Diwali holds a deeper meaning of inner light, spiritual awakening, and the triumph of righteousness. It is a time for reflection, renewal, and gratitude, reminding us to strive for goodness and spread love and kindness in the world.

Overall, Diwali is a time of joy, unity, and celebration, bringing communities together in the spirit of harmony and hope.

10 Lines on Diwali

  • Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is a most awaited festival of Hindus.
  • It is celebrated on the full moon of Kartik month.
  • Diwali is a five day celebration that starts with Dhanteras, 3 days before Diwali and ends with Bhai Dooj, 2 days after Diwali.
  • The meaning of diwali is “row of diya or light”.
  • On Diwali, Lord Rama returned to their home along with Goddess Sita and Laxman.
  • It is celebrated 20 days after Dusshehra. 
  • Diwali is celebrated to signify the victory of good over evil.
  • In Jainism, Lord Mahavir received salvation on Diwali.
  • Diwali is celebrated by decorating homes, burning fire crackers, eating sweets and delicious dishes and more.
  • A few days before Diwali, people start cleaning their house so that Goddess lakshmi will shower her blessing by sending wealth and prosperity to their home.

Essay on Diwali- Tips to make a compelling essay

To get good marks in exams or assignments, students should follow the below given tips to write essay on diwali. Essay about diwali should have all the reasons why and how we celebrate Diwali.

  • Make short sentences. This will help in eliminating grammatical errors. Also, increase the readability of the Diwali essay.
  • Highlight or underline the important facts on diwali.
  • Essay on diwali should have short paragraphs or pointers so that it looks tidy.

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Diwali Essay in English And Hindi for Students

Diwali Essay: Diwali is one of the greatest festivals in India. It is also called festivals of light. On this day we decorate our home, sharing sweets and gifts and burn cracker. learn more about Diwali Essay in the article given below.

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November 10, 2023

Diwali Essay

Table of Contents

Diwali Essay:  Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated and eagerly awaited festivals in India. It marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, and the entire country is bathed in a warm, radiant glow during this time. The festival typically lasts for five days, with each day holding its own significance and traditions.

In India, it is known by different names like Deepavali, Deepotsav, Laxmi Puja, Kali Puja, etc. On Diwali, everyone lights up their homes with lamps and makes pretty designs on the floor with colored powders. We also set off fireworks to make the sky look beautiful. Diwali is special because it reminds us that good things, like light and goodness, are stronger than bad things, like darkness and evil. Families get together, share yummy food, and give each other presents. We also pray for good luck and prosperity from Goddess Lakshmi. Diwali is not just a festival; it’s like a giant hug that brings people closer and makes everything feel bright and happy.

Diwali Essay in English

Diwali: Festival of Lights

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a vibrant and joyous festival celebrated with immense enthusiasm in India. The festival is a symbol of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, carrying profound significance in Hindu culture.

The Meaning Behind Diwali

The term “Diwali” is derived from the Sanskrit words “deepa” (lamp or light) and “avali” (a row). The essence of the festival lies in the illumination of lamps, candles, and diyas (oil lamps), representing the dispelling of darkness and the ushering in of light.

Preparations and Purification

Weeks before the main celebration, households undergo a thorough cleaning and decoration process. This symbolic purification not only cleanses the physical space but also signifies a renewal and reflection, both spiritually and personally. The belief is that Goddess Lakshmi, the harbinger of wealth and prosperity, visits homes that are clean and well-lit during Diwali.

The Grand Celebration Day

The main day of Diwali is marked by elaborate rituals and prayers. Families come together to seek divine blessings, with temples adorned with lights and the air filled with the sweet scent of incense. Fireworks illuminate the night sky, adding a spectacular touch to the festivities.

Unity in Diversity: Regional Celebrations

One of the fascinating aspects of Diwali is the diverse ways it is celebrated across India. Different regions have their own customs and traditions, adding a rich tapestry of cultural celebrations to the festival. While the northern parts of India commemorate the return of Lord Rama, the southern regions associate Diwali with the victory of Lord Krishna.

The Joy of Giving and Sharing

Gift exchanges and the sharing of sweets are integral parts of Diwali. These traditions symbolize the spirit of giving and sharing, fostering a sense of community and strengthening social bonds. Families also indulge in the preparation of a variety of delicious sweets and snacks, adding a gastronomic delight to the festivities.

Beyond Borders: A Universal Celebration

While Diwali is rooted in Hindu traditions, it transcends religious boundaries. People of various faiths across the country participate in the celebrations, embracing the universal message of triumph over darkness and the celebration of light. This inclusivity fosters unity and harmony among diverse communities.

Environmental Consciousness: A Modern Shift

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness about the environmental impact of fireworks during Diwali. Many individuals and communities are opting for eco-friendly celebrations, choosing to illuminate their homes with diyas and candles. This shift reflects a collective responsibility towards the environment and a commitment to sustainable practices.

Diwali is not just a festival of lights; it is a celebration of life, joy, and the eternal triumph of good over evil. As lamps glow and fireworks light up the night sky, Diwali serves as a powerful reminder that, no matter how dark the night, light will always prevail. The festival brings people together, fostering a sense of unity, shared happiness, and a brighter, more hopeful future.

Diwali Essay in English 10 Lines

Check the 10 Lines on Diwali Essay in English given below:

  • Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a joyous celebration that holds a special place in the hearts of millions.
  • It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, Diwali brings families and communities together in a dazzling display of unity.
  • On the Diwali occasion, we worship and welcome the goddess Laxmi for prosperity.
  • The festival spans five days, each with its own significance. Homes are adorned with colorful rangoli, vibrant decorations, and, of course, rows of twinkling diyas. These oil lamps not only illuminate the surroundings but also represent the inner light that dispels ignorance and fosters knowledge.
  • Diwali is a time for feasting and sharing. Families come together to prepare delicious sweets and savory treats, exchanging them with neighbors and friends.
  • In this light festival, the air is filled with the aroma of spices and the sound of laughter as people gather to celebrate the bonds that make life brighter.
  • Fireworks paint the night sky during Diwali, adding a spectacular touch to the festivities. While the colors and lights mesmerize, the underlying message is one of hope and renewal. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there’s always the potential for a radiant transformation.
  • Beyond the glittering celebrations, Diwali is a time for introspection and self-improvement. It encourages individuals to reflect on their actions, seek forgiveness, and strive for a better, more compassionate life. The emphasis on inner light extends beyond the external festivities, promoting a holistic approach to personal growth.
  • Diwali’s significance is not confined to any particular religion or region; it transcends boundaries and brings people of diverse backgrounds together.
  • It’s a beautiful tapestry woven with the threads of diversity, emphasizing the universal values of love, kindness, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Diwali Essay in English 150 Words

Diwali is a big celebration for Hindus. People get ready for it weeks before it happens. They start by cleaning their homes and shops really well. They make everything look nice with lights, lamps, flowers, and other pretty things.

During Diwali, people buy new clothes, home decorations, and gifts for their friends and family. The stores are full of different gifts and yummy sweets. This time is good for businesses, and it’s a chance to spend time with the people we care about.

On Diwali day, houses are lit up with diyas, candles, and lights. People also make colorful rangoli to decorate their homes. Everyone prays to Goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha for good luck and prosperity.

Diwali is also called the Festival of Lights. It’s about worshipping gods, lighting fireworks, eating sweets, and having fun with loved ones. It’s a very special day in the Hindu calendar.

Diwali Essay in English 400 Words

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and holds great cultural and religious significance. The festival, marked by dazzling lights, joyous festivities, and vibrant decorations, is observed by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs across the world. In this essay, we will delve into the reasons behind celebrating Diwali, its historical roots, and its broader significance.

Diwali, derived from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” means a row of lights. The festival is a symbolic triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It typically lasts five days, with the third day being the main celebration. People illuminate their homes with diyas (oil lamps), candles, and colorful lights, creating a spectacular visual display that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.

Historically, Diwali has its roots in various legends and religious narratives. One such legend is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting lamps, and this tradition continues today as a symbol of the victory of righteousness over evil.

In another context, Diwali is also associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that on the night of Diwali, she visits homes that are well-lit and decorated, bringing prosperity and good fortune. People clean and decorate their homes, buy new clothes, and prepare delicious sweets to welcome her.

The festival also holds significance for Jains as it commemorates Lord Mahavira’s attainment of nirvana. Sikhs celebrate Diwali to mark the release of their sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, from imprisonment.

Beyond its religious roots, Diwali fosters a sense of unity and togetherness among people. Families come together to celebrate, exchange gifts, and share festive meals. It is a time for forgiveness, gratitude, and spreading joy to others. Diwali also serves as an opportunity for charity, with many individuals contributing to the well-being of those less fortunate.

Diwali is a multifaceted festival that embodies the spirit of joy, triumph, and unity. Its celebration is deeply rooted in religious and historical contexts, making it a significant cultural event. The lighting of lamps not only brightens the physical surroundings but also symbolizes the dispelling of ignorance and the triumph of knowledge. Diwali, with its rich traditions and cultural significance, continues to be a cherished festival that brings people together in the spirit of light and happiness.

Diwali Essay in Hindi

शीर्षक: दीपावली: प्रकाश और आनंद का त्योहार

दीपावली, जिसे दीवारों का त्योहार भी कहा जाता है, भारत में सबसे अधिक मनाए जाने वाले त्योहारों में से एक है और इसका महत्वपूर्ण सांस्कृतिक और धार्मिक महत्व है। चमकदार प्रकाश, आनंदमय उत्सव, और रंगीन सजावटों के साथ चिह्नित इस त्योहार को पूरे विश्व में हिन्दू, जैन, और सिखों द्वारा मनाया जाता है। इस निबंध में, हम दीपावली को क्यों मनाते हैं, इसके ऐतिहासिक नींवों पर, और इसके व्यापक महत्व पर चर्चा करेंगे।

दीपावली, संस्कृत शब्द “दीपावली” से लिया गया है, जिसका अर्थ है प्रकाश की पंक्ति। यह एक प्रतीकात्मक रूप से प्रकाश की विजय, अच्छाई की विजय, और अज्ञान की विजय को दर्शाता है। इसकी सामान्य अवधि पाँच दिन है, जिसमें तीसरे दिन का मुख्य उत्सव है। लोग दीयों (तेल के बत्तियां), मोमबत्तियां, और रंगीन बत्तियों से अपने घरों को सजाते हैं, जो अंधकार के बनावट की जीत का प्रतीक है।

ऐतिहासिक रूप से, दीपावली की जड़ें विभिन्न किस्सों और धार्मिक कथाओं में हैं। इसमें से एक कथा है भगवान राम के अयोध्या लौटने की, रावण राक्षस को हराने की। अयोध्या के लोगों ने उनका स्वागत दीयों से किया, और यह परंपरा आज भी उनकी श्रेणीयता की जीत का प्रतीक के रूप में जारी है।

दूसरे संदर्भ में, दीपावली का संबंध धन और समृद्धि की देवी लक्ष्मी की पूजा के साथ भी है। माना जाता है कि दीपावली की रात को वह उन घरों को चकाचौंध पर्वत करती हैं जो अच्छी तरह से प्रकाशित और सजाया गया है, धन और समृद्धि लेकर। लोग अपने घरों को साफ-सफाई करते हैं और सजाते हैं, नए कपड़े खरीदते हैं, और स्वागत में स्वादिष्ट मिठाई बनाते हैं।

यह त्योहार जैन लोगों के लिए भी महत्वपूर्ण है क्योंकि इसमें भगवान महावीर के निर्वाण की स्मृति है। सिख धर्म के अनुयायियों के लिए भी दीपावली का आयोजन किया जाता है, जिससे उनके छठे गुरु, गुरु हरगोबिंद जी के कारागार से मुक्ति का स्मृति है।

धार्मिक मूलों के आलावा, दीपावली लोगों के बीच एकता और सद्भावना का भाव बढ़ाती है। परिवार सभी एक साथ मनाते हैं, उपहारों का आदान-प्रदान करते हैं, और उत्सवी भोजन को साझा करते हैं। यह क्षमा, कृतज्ञता, और दूसरों के साथ आनंद साझा करने का समय है। दीपावली एक धरोहर के रूप में भी कार्य करती है, बहुत से व्यक्तियों ने असहाय लोगों के कल्याण के लिए योगदान किया है।

समाप्त में, दीपावली एक बहुपरकारी त्योहार है जो आनंद, विजय, और एकता की भावना को अंगूठा छूने वाले त्योहारों में से एक बना रहता है। इसका उत्सव न केवल धार्मिक और ऐतिहासिक संदर्भों में गहरा है, बल्कि यह ज्ञान की जीत और अज्ञान की हार की प्रतीक भी है। रोशनी का यह त्योहार न केवल भौतिक आस-पास को चमकाता है, बल्कि यह ज्ञान की जीत का भी प्रतीक है। दीपावली, अपनी समृद्धि और सांस्कृतिक महत्व के साथ, एक प्यारा त्योहार है जो लोगों को प्रकाश और खुशी की भावना में एक साथ लाता है।

Diwali Essay FAQs

Diwali is known as the 'Festival of Lights.' During this celebration, people light lamps and set off fireworks. It's a special festival that marks the happy return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after rescuing his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.

Diwali is like a super fun party where we celebrate with lights and colorful decorations. It's all about happiness and togetherness. We light lamps to remember a brave prince named Rama who saved his wife, Sita, from a tricky demon king named Ravana.

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Essay on Diwali

essay on diwali

Here we have shared the Essay on Diwali or Deepawali in detail so you can use it in your exam or assignment of 150, 300, 500, or 1000 words.

You can use this Essay on Diwali in any assignment or project whether you are in school child (class 10th or 12th), a college student, or preparing for answer writing in competitive exams. 

Topics covered in this article.

Essay on Diwali in 150 words

  • Essay on Diwali in 250-300 words
  • Essay on Diwali in 500-1000 words

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a widely celebrated Hindu festival in India. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. During Diwali, homes are adorned with lights, rangolis, and decorations. Families come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy delicious sweets and snacks. Fireworks illuminate the night sky, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Diwali holds deep spiritual significance, commemorating Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. It also marks the beginning of a new year for many communities. Beyond its cultural and religious importance, Diwali promotes unity, joy, and compassion. It encourages people to spread happiness and love, transcending differences.

In conclusion, Diwali is a festival that brings people together, celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and spreads light and joy. It is a time to appreciate the blessings in our lives and to share happiness with others.

Essay on Diwali in 250-350 words

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in India. It holds immense cultural, religious, and social importance for people of the Hindu faith. The festival spans over five days and signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Diwali is a time of immense joy and enthusiasm. The preparations begin weeks in advance as people clean and decorate their homes. Colorful rangolis, Diyas (earthen lamps), and decorative lights adorn every corner, creating a mesmerizing ambiance. The air is filled with excitement and anticipation as families come together to celebrate.

The festival is deeply rooted in mythology. It commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. The lighting of lamps and the bursting of fireworks symbolize the triumph of light and righteousness. Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is also worshipped during Diwali. People offer prayers and seek her blessings for a prosperous year ahead.

Diwali is not only a religious festival but also a time for social bonding and celebration. Families and friends exchange gifts, sweets, and heartfelt wishes. The festival brings people from diverse backgrounds together, fostering unity and harmony. It is a time to forgive past grievances, mend broken relationships, and spread love and joy.

However, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness about the environmental impact of Diwali celebrations. The excessive use of firecrackers contributes to air and noise pollution, harming both humans and the environment. Many people are now opting for eco-friendly celebrations by using less harmful alternatives like decorative lights and celebrating with eco-friendly fireworks.

In conclusion, Diwali is a vibrant and joyful festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It brings families and communities together, spreading happiness, love, and prosperity. While celebrating, it is essential to be mindful of the environmental impact and embrace eco-friendly practices. Diwali is not just a festival of lights; it is a celebration of life, positivity, and the enduring spirit of goodness.

Essay on Diwali in 500 words

Title: Diwali – The Festival of Lights and Spiritual Significance

Introduction

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most prominent and widely celebrated festivals in India. It holds immense cultural, religious, and social significance for people of the Hindu faith. The festival spans over five days and signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. This essay explores the various aspects of Diwali, including its historical, religious, and social significance.

Historical and Religious Significance

Diwali finds its roots in ancient Indian mythology and legends. The most well-known story associated with Diwali is the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, to the kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Their return symbolizes the triumph of righteousness over evil. Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana is celebrated with great fervor during Diwali.

The lighting of lamps and bursting of fireworks during Diwali signify the removal of darkness and the spreading of light and positivity. The tradition of lighting Diyas (earthen lamps) and illuminating homes and streets represents the victory of good over evil and the triumph of knowledge over ignorance. It is believed that these lights guide Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, into people’s homes.

Social Significance

Diwali is not only a religious festival but also a time for social bonding, family gatherings, and community celebrations. Families come together to clean and decorate their homes, exchange gifts, and share festive meals. The festival brings people from diverse backgrounds together, fostering unity, love, and harmony.

During Diwali, people visit their relatives and friends, exchanging sweets, dry fruits, and gifts as a token of love and affection. It is also a time to forgive past grievances and mend broken relationships, as the festival promotes the spirit of forgiveness, reconciliation, and compassion.

Cultural Celebrations

Diwali celebrations go beyond religious rituals. The festival is marked by colorful rangoli designs, vibrant decorations, and intricate patterns created with colored powders, flowers, and Diyas. Fireworks light up the night sky, filling the air with joy and excitement.

The festival also showcases the rich cultural heritage of India. Traditional dances, music, and performances are organized to entertain and engage the community. Diwali melas (fairs) are held, featuring various cultural activities, folk dances, and food stalls. These events provide an opportunity for people to come together, celebrate, and appreciate the diverse cultural tapestry of India.

Environmental Concerns

While Diwali is a time of celebration and joy, it is essential to address the environmental concerns associated with the festival. The excessive use of firecrackers contributes to air and noise pollution, which poses health hazards and disturbs the ecosystem. It is crucial for individuals and communities to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as minimizing the use of fireworks and opting for environmentally friendly alternatives like decorative lights and lamps.

Diwali, the festival of lights, holds immense cultural, religious, and social significance in India. It is a time of joy, togetherness, and the triumph of good over evil. Diwali celebrations embody the values of unity, love, forgiveness, and the spirit of giving. However, it is equally important to celebrate the festival in an environmentally responsible manner. By embracing eco-friendly practices, we can ensure that the essence of Diwali, as a festival of light and hope, is preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Essay on Diwali in 1000 words

Title: Diwali – A Celebration of Light, Joy, and Cultural Significance

Introduction:

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and holds immense cultural, religious, and social significance. The festival stretches over five days, and each day has its own significance and rituals. Diwali is a time of vibrant celebrations, where people come together to illuminate their homes with lamps, exchange gifts, indulge in delicious sweets, and participate in various cultural activities. This essay explores the historical origins, religious significance, cultural traditions, social impact, and environmental considerations associated with Diwali.

I. Historical Origins of Diwali

The roots of Diwali can be traced back to ancient Indian mythology and various historical events. One of the most popular legends associated with Diwali is the story of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya celebrated Rama’s homecoming after 14 years of exile by lighting lamps, signifying the triumph of good over evil. Diwali also commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness and the eradication of darkness.

II. Religious Significance of Diwali

Diwali holds deep religious significance for Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. For Hindus, it is a time to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Devotees clean their homes and create intricate rangoli designs to invite the goddess into their households. Diwali is also associated with the worship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and the offering of prayers to seek divine blessings.

In Jainism, Diwali marks the spiritual enlightenment and liberation of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara. Jains celebrate Diwali by offering prayers, visiting temples, and engaging in acts of charity and compassion.

For Sikhs, Diwali holds historical significance as it commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, and 52 other kings from imprisonment in the Gwalior Fort. This event represents the victory of truth and freedom.

III. Cultural Traditions and Celebrations

Diwali is not only a religious festival but also a time for cultural celebrations and festivities. The preparations for Diwali begin weeks in advance, as people clean their homes and decorate them with colorful rangoli designs, bright lights, and flowers. The lighting of diyas (earthen lamps) and candles is a significant aspect of Diwali, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

During Diwali, families come together to perform puja (worship) rituals, exchange gifts, and share special meals. Traditional sweets and snacks, such as ladoos and gujiyas, are prepared and distributed among relatives, friends, and neighbors. The exchange of gifts signifies love, respect, and the strengthening of relationships.

Cultural performances, such as traditional dances like Garba and Bharatanatyam, music concerts, and plays, are organized during Diwali. These cultural activities showcase the rich heritage of Indian art and provide a platform for artists to display their talent.

IV. Social Impact and Community Bonding

Diwali serves as a unifying force, bringing people from different communities, religions, and backgrounds together. It is a time when families and friends come together to celebrate and bond. Diwali encourages individuals to visit their loved ones, exchange greetings, and share the joy of the festival.

The spirit of giving and sharing is strongly emphasized during Diwali. Many people extend acts of kindness by donating to charities, distributing food to the underprivileged, and supporting those in need. This collective effort to help others promotes empathy, compassion, and social cohesion.

Diwali also fosters a sense of unity and harmony among communities. People of different religions and cultures join in the celebrations, participating in events and exchanging cultural experiences. The festival acts as a platform for cultural exchange, fostering understanding and appreciation for diversity.

V. Environmental Considerations

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the environmental impact of Diwali celebrations. The excessive use of firecrackers during Diwali contributes to air and noise pollution, causing harm to human health and the environment. Additionally, the disposal of firework waste poses a significant challenge.

To address these concerns, there has been a shift towards eco-friendly Diwali celebrations. Many individuals and communities now opt for alternative ways to celebrate, such as using decorative lights, eco-friendly fireworks, and organic materials for rangoli designs. Awareness campaigns promote the use of environmentally friendly practices, encouraging people to celebrate Diwali in a responsible manner.

Conclusion:

Diwali is a festival that encapsulates the essence of Indian culture, spirituality, and social values. It is a time when people come together to celebrate light, joy, and prosperity. Diwali’s historical origins, religious significance, cultural traditions, and social impact make it an integral part of Indian society.

As we celebrate Diwali, it is crucial to remain mindful of the environmental impact and embrace sustainable practices. By promoting eco-friendly celebrations and minimizing pollution, we can ensure that the essence of Diwali, as a festival of light and togetherness, is preserved for future generations to enjoy. Diwali serves as a reminder of the triumph of good over evil, the importance of unity, and the power of love and compassion in our lives.

  • Essay on eco Friendly Diwali

Essay on Eco-Friendly Diwali

Diwali is the festival of lights. It’s a celebration that marks the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is celebrated across all communities of India, creating a homogenous environment of goodwill and happiness. It is a festival to celebrate with family and friends and to light up our and others’ lives with lights, gifts, and sweets. Yet, bursting firecrackers has become a prominent part of the festival. Firecrackers lead to gaseous pollutants emissions that harm the environment and health. Also, the noise causes distress to the elderly, especially to those with heart disease. So, this essay on Eco-friendly Diwali will help students to understand the harmful effect of bursting crackers on Diwali and how it’s impacting the environment.

Students can also go through the list of CBSE Essays on different topics. It will help them to improve their writing skills and also increase their scores on the English exam. Moreover, they can participate in different essay writing competitions which are conducted at the school level.

500+ Words Essay on Eco-Friendly Diwali

Diwali, or Deepavali, is among India’s biggest festivals. The core essence of the festival is that it is the triumph of good over evil, and light takes over darkness. Present-day celebrations of the festival largely comprise people adorning their homes with traditional diyas and lights of various shapes, sizes and colours. They eat sweets and burst crackers. The increasing pollution level, especially in cities and towns, had put a question on bursting firecrackers. It is a worrying problem for environmentalists and common people.

Harmful Effects of Bursting Crackers on Diwali

Huge amounts of crackers and sparklers are burned mainly on the day of the festival and also before and after Diwali. Fireworks contain a lot of chemicals such as potassium nitrates, potassium chlorate, aluminium, iron dust powder, etc. These firecrackers, when burnt, release various gaseous and particulate air pollutants and toxic metals, which degrade the air quality. The emissions reduce visibility to a large extent and generate a dense cloud of smoke. Along with polluting the air, these crackers generate noise pollution; the noise triggers annoyance, aggression, hypertension, high-stress levels, hearing loss and sleep disturbance.

Air and noise pollution leads to serious health hazards.

Tips to Celebrate an Eco-Friendly Diwali

A good way to avoid contributing to the existing pollution is to opt for an eco-friendly Diwali. We should say no to firecrackers. We should light traditional earthen lamps or diyas instead of electric lights or candles. We should use seasonal flowers and leaves for Diwali decoration. We can use old dupattas, silk sarees, etc., for decorations. We must involve our kids and use old CDs, bangles and other craft materials to make interesting decor items. We can make natural rangolis by using natural colours such as rice powder, turmeric etc. Also, we can make rangoli with flowers, petals and leaves. We should buy Diwali gifts by taking care of the environment. We can gift a plant to our relatives. We should avoid the use of plastic and should not buy unnecessary items that generate waste. While hosting a small Diwali get-together, we should use biodegradable plates, cups and glasses. Banana leaf plates and bamboo plates are good options, and for serving drinks, kulhads (mud pots) are the best. The festival can lead to the accumulation of large quantities of waste. So, before throwing the waste, we should segregate the waste and discard it in a responsible manner.

Let’s make the Diwali festival full of happiness, love, sweetness, and peace for all. Let’s enjoy the festival of lights by taking a pledge not to burst a single cracker. Let’s celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali, not a pollution-friendly one.

Students must have found the “Eco-friendly Diwali” essay useful for improving their essay writing skills. They can get the study material and the latest updates on CBSE/ICSE/State Board/Competitive Exams at BYJU’S.

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The Day I Put $50,000 in a Shoe Box and Handed It to a Stranger

I never thought i was the kind of person to fall for a scam..

Portrait of Charlotte Cowles

On a Tuesday evening this past October, I put $50,000 in cash in a shoe box, taped it shut as instructed, and carried it to the sidewalk in front of my apartment, my phone clasped to my ear. “Don’t let anyone hurt me,” I told the man on the line, feeling pathetic.

“You won’t be hurt,” he answered. “Just keep doing exactly as I say.”

Three minutes later, a white Mercedes SUV pulled up to the curb. “The back window will open,” said the man on the phone. “Do not look at the driver or talk to him. Put the box through the window, say ‘thank you,’ and go back inside.”

The man on the phone knew my home address, my Social Security number, the names of my family members, and that my 2-year-old son was playing in our living room. He told me my home was being watched, my laptop had been hacked, and we were in imminent danger. “I can help you, but only if you cooperate,” he said. His first orders: I could not tell anyone about our conversation, not even my spouse, or talk to the police or a lawyer.

Now I know this was all a scam — a cruel and violating one but painfully obvious in retrospect. Here’s what I can’t figure out: Why didn’t I just hang up and call 911? Why didn’t I text my husband, or my brother (a lawyer), or my best friend (also a lawyer), or my parents, or one of the many other people who would have helped me? Why did I hand over all that money — the contents of my savings account, strictly for emergencies — without a bigger fight?

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When I’ve told people this story, most of them say the same thing: You don’t seem like the type of person this would happen to. What they mean is that I’m not senile, or hysterical, or a rube. But these stereotypes are actually false. Younger adults — Gen Z, millennials, and Gen X — are 34 percent more likely to report losing money to fraud compared with those over 60, according to a recent report from the Federal Trade Commission. Another study found that well-educated people or those with good jobs were just as vulnerable to scams as everyone else.

Still, how could I have been such easy prey? Scam victims tend to be single, lonely, and economically insecure with low financial literacy. I am none of those things. I’m closer to the opposite. I’m a journalist who had a weekly column in the “Business” section of the New York Times. I’ve written a personal-finance column for this magazine for the past seven years. I interview money experts all the time and take their advice seriously. I’m married and talk to my friends, family, and colleagues every day.

And while this is harder to quantify — how do I even put it? — I’m not someone who loses her head. My mother-in-law has described me as even-keeled; my own mom has called me “maddeningly rational.” I am listed as an emergency contact for several friends — and their kids. I vote, floss, cook, and exercise. In other words, I’m not a person who panics under pressure and falls for a conspiracy involving drug smuggling, money laundering, and CIA officers at my door. Until, suddenly, I was.

That morning — it was October 31 — I dressed my toddler in a pizza costume for Halloween and kissed him good-bye before school. I wrote some work emails. At about 12:30 p.m., my phone buzzed. The caller ID said it was Amazon. I answered. A polite woman with a vague accent told me she was calling from Amazon customer service to check some unusual activity on my account. The call was being recorded for quality assurance. Had I recently spent $8,000 on MacBooks and iPads?

I had not. I checked my Amazon account. My order history showed diapers and groceries, no iPads. The woman, who said her name was Krista, told me the purchases had been made under my business account. “I don’t have a business account,” I said. “Hmm,” she said. “Our system shows that you have two.”

Krista and I concurred that I was the victim of identity theft, and she said she would flag the fraudulent accounts and freeze their activity. She provided me with a case-ID number for future reference and recommended that I check my credit cards. I did, and everything looked normal. I thanked her for her help.

Then Krista explained that Amazon had been having a lot of problems with identity theft and false accounts lately. It had become so pervasive that the company was working with a liaison at the Federal Trade Commission and was referring defrauded customers to him. Could she connect me?

“Um, sure?” I said.

Krista transferred the call to a man who identified himself as Calvin Mitchell. He said he was an investigator with the FTC, gave me his badge number, and had me write down his direct phone line in case I needed to contact him again. He also told me our call was being recorded. He asked me to verify the spelling of my name. Then he read me the last four digits of my Social Security number, my home address, and my date of birth to confirm that they were correct. The fact that he had my Social Security number threw me. I was getting nervous.

“I’m glad we’re speaking,” said Calvin. “Your personal information is linked to a case that we’ve been working on for a while now, and it’s quite serious.”

He told me that 22 bank accounts, nine vehicles, and four properties were registered to my name. The bank accounts had wired more than $3 million overseas, mostly to Jamaica and Iraq. Did I know anything about this? “No,” I said. Did I know someone named Stella Suk-Yee Kwong? “I don’t think so,” I said. He texted me a photo of her ID, which he claimed had been found in a car rented under my name that was abandoned on the southern border of Texas with blood and drugs in the trunk. A home in New Mexico affiliated with the car rental had subsequently been raided, he added, and authorities found more drugs, cash, and bank statements registered to my name and Social Security number. He texted me a drug-bust photo of bags of pills and money stacked on a table. He told me that there were warrants out for my arrest in Maryland and Texas and that I was being charged with cybercrimes, money laundering, and drug trafficking.

My head swam. I Googled my name along with “warrant” and “money laundering,” but nothing came up. Were arrest warrants public? I wasn’t sure. Google led me to truthfinder.com, which asked for my credit-card information — nope. “I’m in deep shit,” I texted my husband. “My identity was stolen and it seems really bad.”

Calvin wanted to know if I knew anyone who might be the culprit or if I had any connections to Iraq or Jamaica. “No,” I said. “This is the first I’m hearing about any of this, and it’s a lot to take in.” He asked if I had ever used public or unsecured Wi-Fi. “I don’t know. Maybe?” I said. “I used the airport Wi-Fi recently.”

“Ah,” he said. “That’s unfortunate. It’s how many of these breaches start.” I was embarrassed, like I’d left my fly unzipped. How could I have been so thoughtless? But also — didn’t everyone use the airport Wi-Fi?

Calvin told me to listen carefully. “The first thing you must do is not tell anyone what is going on. Everyone around you is a suspect.”

I almost laughed. I told him I was quite sure that my husband, who works for an affordable-housing nonprofit and makes meticulous spreadsheets for our child-care expenses, was not a secret drug smuggler. “I believe you, but even so, your communications are probably under surveillance,” Calvin said. “You cannot talk to him about this.” I quickly deleted the text messages I had sent my husband a few minutes earlier. “These are sophisticated criminals with a lot of money at stake,” he continued. “You should assume you are in danger and being watched. You cannot take any chances.”

I felt suspended between two worlds — the one I knew and the one this man was describing. If I had nothing to do with any of these allegations, how much could they truly affect me? I thought of an old This American Life episode about a woman whose Social Security card was stolen. No matter how many times she closed her bank accounts and opened new ones, her identity thief kept draining them, destroying her credit and her sanity. (It turned out to be her boyfriend.) I remembered another story about a man who got stuck on a no-fly list after his personal information was used by a terrorist group. It dawned on me that being connected to major federal offenses, even falsely, could really fuck up my life.

Calvin wanted to know how much money I currently had in my bank accounts. I told him that I had two — checking and savings — with a combined balance of a little over $80,000. As a freelancer in a volatile industry, I keep a sizable emergency fund, and I also set aside cash to pay my taxes at the end of the year, since they aren’t withheld from my paychecks.

His voice took on a more urgent tone. “You must have worked very hard to save all that money,” he said. “Do not share your bank-account information with anyone. I am going to help you keep your money safe.” He said that he would transfer me to his colleague at the CIA who was the lead investigator on my case and gave me a nine-digit case number for my records. (I Googled the number. Nothing.) He said the CIA agent would tell me what to do next, and he wished me luck.

essay diwali meaning

If it was a scam , I couldn’t see the angle. It had occurred to me that the whole story might be made up or an elaborate mistake. But no one had asked me for money or told me to buy crypto; they’d only encouraged me not to share my banking information. They hadn’t asked for my personal details; they already knew them. I hadn’t been told to click on anything.

Still, I had not seen a shred of evidence. I checked my bank accounts, credit cards, and credit score; nothing looked out of the ordinary. I knew I should probably talk to a lawyer or maybe call the police, though I was doubtful that they would help. What was I going to say — “My identity was stolen, and I think I’m somehow in danger”? I had no proof. I was also annoyed that my workday had been hijacked. It was 2 p.m., and I had already pushed back one deadline and postponed two work calls. I had to get myself out of this.

The next man who got on the line had a deeper voice and a slight British accent flecked with something I couldn’t identify. He told me his name was Michael Sarano and that he worked for the CIA on cases involving the FTC. He gave me his badge number. “I’m going to need more than that,” I said. “I have no reason to believe that any of what you’re saying is real.”

“I completely understand,” he said calmly. He told me to go to the FTC home page and look up the main phone number. “Now hang up the phone, and I will call you from that number right now.” I did as he said. The FTC number flashed on my screen, and I picked up. “How do I know you’re not just spoofing this?” I asked.

“It’s a government number,” he said, almost indignant. “It cannot be spoofed.” I wasn’t sure if this was true and tried Googling it, but Michael was already onto his next point. He told me the call was being recorded, so I put him on speaker and began recording on my end, too. He wanted to know if I had told anyone what was going on.

I admitted that I had texted my husband. “You must reassure him that everything is fine,” Michael said. “In many cases like this, we have to investigate the spouse as well, and the less he knows, the less he is implicated. From now on, you have to follow protocol if you want us to help you.”

“I don’t think I should lie to my husband,” I said, feeling stupid.

“You are being investigated for major federal crimes,” he said. “By keeping your husband out of this, you are protecting him.” He then repeated the point Calvin had made about my phone and computer being hacked and monitored by the criminals who had stolen my identity.

By that point, my husband had sent me a series of concerned texts. “Don’t worry. It will be okay,” I wrote back. It felt gross to imagine a third party reading along.

Michael snowed me with the same stories Calvin had. They were consistent: the car on the Texas border, the property in New Mexico, the drugs, the bank accounts. He asked if I shared my residence with anyone besides my husband and son. Then he asked more questions about my family members, including my parents, my brother, and my sister-in-law. He knew their names and where they lived. I told him they had nothing to do with this. In fact, I was now sure I wanted to consult a lawyer.

“If you talk to an attorney, I cannot help you anymore,” Michael said sternly. “You will be considered noncooperative. Your home will be raided, and your assets will be seized. You may be arrested. It’s your choice.” This seemed ludicrous. I pictured officers tramping in, taking my laptop, going through our bookshelves, questioning our neighbors, scaring my son. It was a nonstarter.

“Can I just come to your office and sort this out in person?” I said. “It’s getting late, and I need to take my son trick-or-treating soon.”

“My office is in Langley,” he said. “We don’t have enough time. We need to act immediately. I’m going to talk you through the process. It’s going to sound crazy, but we must follow protocol if we’re going to catch the people behind this.”

He explained that the CIA would need to freeze all the assets in my name, including my actual bank accounts. In the eyes of the law, there was no difference between the “real” and the fraudulent ones, he said. They would also deactivate my compromised Social Security number and get me a new one. Then, by monitoring any activity under my old Social Security number and accounts, they would catch the criminals who were using my identity and I would get my life back. But until then, I would need to use only cash for my day-to-day expenses.

It was far-fetched. Ridiculous. But also not completely out of the realm of possibility. “Do I have any other options?” I asked.

“Unfortunately, no,” he said. “You must follow my directions very carefully. We do not have much time.”

He asked me how much cash I thought I would need to support myself for a year if necessary. My assets could be frozen for up to two years if the investigation dragged on, he added. There could be a trial; I might need to testify. These things take time. “I don’t know, $50,000?” I said. I wondered how I would receive paychecks without a bank account. Would I have to take time off from work? I did some mental calculations of how much my husband could float us and for how long.

“Okay,” he said. “You need to go to the bank and get that cash out now. You cannot tell them what it is for. In one of my last cases, the identity thief was someone who worked at the bank.”

Michael told me to keep the phone on speaker so we would remain in contact. “It’s important that I monitor where this money goes from now on. Remember, all of your assets are part of this investigation,” he said. Then he told me that one of his colleagues would meet me at my apartment at 5 p.m. to guide me through the next steps.

“You can’t send a complete stranger to my home,” I said, my voice rising. “My 2-year-old son will be here.”

“Let me worry about that,” he said. “It’s my job. But if you don’t cooperate, I cannot keep you safe. It is your choice.”

It’s impossible to explain why I accepted this logic. But I had been given marching orders and a deadline. My son would be home soon, and I had to fix this mess. I put on sneakers in case I needed to run. I brought a backpack for the cash. I felt both terrified and absurd.

It was jarring to see trick-or-treaters in my Brooklyn neighborhood, people going about their lives. The air was crisp, and dead leaves swirled on the ground. I was on high alert for anyone who might be following me. At one point, a man in sunglasses and a hoodie trailed me for a few blocks. At Michael’s suggestion, I ducked into a parking garage until he passed.

When I reached the bank, I told the guard I needed to make a large cash withdrawal and she sent me upstairs. Michael was on speakerphone in my pocket. I asked the teller for $50,000. The woman behind the thick glass window raised her eyebrows, disappeared into a back room, came back with a large metal box of $100 bills, and counted them out with a machine. Then she pushed the stacks of bills through the slot along with a sheet of paper warning me against scams. I thanked her and left.

Michael was bursting with praise. “You did a great job,” he said. “I have to go for a moment to see about the details of your case; I’m going to have you speak to my colleague if you have any questions.” He put a woman on the line. She was younger, with an accent I couldn’t identify. She told me to go home and await further instructions.

As I walked back to my apartment, something jolted me out of my trance, and I became furious. No government agency would establish this as “protocol.” It was preposterous. “I need to speak with Michael,” I told the woman on the phone. He got on right away. “I don’t even believe that you’re a CIA agent,” I said. “What you’re asking me to do is completely unreasonable.”

He sighed. “I’m sending you a photo of my badge right now,” he said. “I don’t know what else to tell you. You can trust me, and I will help you. Or you can hang up and put yourself and your family in danger. Do you really want to take that risk with a young child?”

My Two Cents

How to protect yourself against scams, what charlotte cowles wishes she’d known..

I waited for a stoplight at a busy intersection. I could see my apartment window from where I stood. My son was playing inside with a neighbor’s daughter and their nanny. A picture of Michael’s badge appeared on my phone. I had no way of verifying it; it could easily have been Photoshopped. “I don’t trust you at all,” I said to Michael. “But it doesn’t seem like I have any other choice.”

When I got home, Michael told me to get a box, put the cash in it, take a picture of it, then tape it shut. I found a floral-printed shoe box that had once contained a pair of slippers I’d bought for myself — a frivolous purchase that now seemed mortifying. Michael told me to label it with my name, my case number, my address, a locker number he read to me, and my signature. Then he directed me to take another picture of the labeled box and text it to him.

“My colleague will be there soon. He is an undercover CIA agent, and he will secure the money for you,” he said. What exactly would that entail? I asked. “Tonight, we will close down your Social Security number, and you will lose access to your bank accounts,” he explained. “Tomorrow, you’ll need to go to the Social Security office and get a new Social Security number. We’ll secure this money for you in a government locker and hand-deliver a Treasury check for the same amount. You can cash the check and use it for your expenses until the investigation is over.”

“Why can’t I just use this cash?” I asked. “Why do you have to take it and give me a check?”

“Because all of your assets under your current identity are part of the investigation,” he said. “You are being charged with money laundering. If we secure this cash and then issue you a government check under your new Social Security number, that will be considered clean money.”

“I’ll need to see your colleague’s badge,” I said. “I’m not just going to give $50,000 of my money to someone I don’t know.”

“Undercover agents don’t carry badges,” he said, as if I’d asked the CIA to bring me a Happy Meal. “They’re undercover. Remember, you are probably being watched. The criminals cannot know that a CIA agent is there.”

In a twisted way, this made some amount of sense to me. Or maybe I had lost my grip on reality so completely that I was willing to resign myself to this new version of it. Most important, I didn’t know what else to do. Even if Michael wasn’t working for the CIA (which struck me as more and more likely), he was sending a man to our address. I felt a sickening dread that he might ask to come inside. If giving him this money would make him go away, I was ready to do it. I’d been on the phone for nearly five hours. I wanted to take my son trick-or-treating. I was exhausted.

Michael seemed to sense that I was flagging and asked if I’d had lunch. I hadn’t. He told me to eat something but keep him on the line; his agent was on the way to my address but running late. “You can meet him outside if that would make you more comfortable,” Michael said, and I felt relieved. While I gnawed on a granola bar at my desk, he got chatty and asked about my job. I told him I was going to Washington, D.C., later that week. “Oh, great. You could come to my office in Langley,” he said. “Where are you staying?”

A little after 6 p.m., Michael told me to go downstairs. His colleague was arriving. My husband had just come home from work and was reading to our son. “What’s going on? Is everything okay?” he asked as I put my coat on. I motioned to the phone and shushed him. Then I whispered, “I have to go downstairs and meet a guy who’s helping with the identity-theft case. I’ll explain more later.” He frowned and silently mouthed, “What?” I told him I had to go.

I met the SUV at the curb and put the money in the back seat. It was 6:06 p.m. Even if I’d tried to see who was driving, the windows were tinted and it was dusk. He maybe wore a baseball cap. When I turned around, I could see the backlit faces of my husband and son watching from our apartment nine stories above.

As I walked back inside, Michael texted me a photo of a Treasury check made out to me for $50,000 and told me a hard copy would be hand-delivered to me in the morning. He was working on setting up my appointment with the Social Security office. “You will receive a confirmation text shortly,” he said. “Stay on the line until you do.” I felt oddly comforted by this. An appointment would give me something legitimate, an actual connection to a government agency.

I took my son trick-or-treating, my phone on speaker in my pocket. I felt numb, almost in a fugue state, smiling and chatting with my neighbors and their kids. At one point, I checked to see if Michael was still there; his female colleague answered and said he’d be back soon. Then, when we got home and I checked again, the line was dead. I panicked and called back. The woman answered. “Michael is busy,” she said. “He’ll call you in the morning.”

I was confused. Did this mean I didn’t have a Social Security number at all anymore? I pictured myself floating, identity-less. “Do I have an appointment at the Social Security office?” I asked.

“Michael will call you tomorrow,” she repeated. “He hasn’t been able to secure your appointment yet. The Social Security office is closed now.”

I went into my bedroom and shut the door, feeling my face grow hot. I had a physical sensation of scales falling from my eyes; the room shimmered around me, spots raining from the ceiling. I saw the whole day peel away, like the layers of an onion — Michael, the FTC officer, the Amazon call — revealing my real life, raw and exposed, at the center. “Oh my God,” I said, my hands tingling. “You are lying to me. Michael was lying. You just took my money and I’m never getting it back.” That wasn’t true, the woman said. She understood that I was upset. She was sorry. Everything would be fine. “You’re a fucking liar,” I hissed, and hung up.

Through choking sobs, I told my husband what had happened. “Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked, incredulous. “I would have stopped you.” That I’d been trying to protect him suddenly seemed so idiotic I couldn’t even say it out loud. Our son looked on, confused. “Mama’s sad,” he announced, clinging to my leg. We put him to bed and then I called my parents and my brother. At their urging, I called 911. Around 10:30 p.m., three police officers came over and took my statement. I struggled to recount what I’d done; it seemed like a bad dream. I felt like a fool.

“No government agency will ever ask you for money,” one cop informed me, as if I’d never heard it before. I wanted to scream, “I know. ” Instead, I said, “It didn’t really feel like he was asking.”

The police told me not to worry; the scammers wouldn’t be back. “They got what they wanted,” another officer said, as though it would reassure me. I gave them the photos and recordings I had. They promised to check traffic cameras for the car that had taken the money.

When I woke up the next morning, a few seconds passed before I remembered the previous day. I was my old self, in my old bed, milky dawn light on the walls. Then it all came crashing back, a fresh humiliation, and I curled into the fetal position. I felt violated, unreliable; I couldn’t trust myself. Were my tendencies toward people-pleasing, rule following, and conflict aversion far worse than I’d ever thought, even pathological? I imagined other people’s reactions. She’s always been a little careless. She seems unhinged. I considered keeping the whole thing a secret. I worried it would harm my professional reputation. I still do.

In the days that followed, I kept revisiting the fake world of that afternoon, slipping through a portal into an alternate life. I would get paranoid that someone was reading my texts, watching me as I took my son to school, or using my Social Security number to wire money and rent cars. It was a relief that I wasn’t actually in trouble with the law, but then again — I’d lost $50,000 and I wasn’t getting it back. I checked my accounts and credit cards obsessively. I called my bank. They gave me instructions to freeze my credit, file reports with the FBI and FTC, and run anti-virus software on my laptop to check for malware, which I did. I cried a lot. My husband felt helpless; he still doesn’t like to talk about it. Instead, he researched new locks for our doors and looked into security cameras. One night I shook him awake, convinced that someone was trying to break in. “It’s only the wind,” he said. “We’re safe.”

Fifty thousand dollars is a lot of money. It took me years to save, stashing away a few thousand every time I got paid for a big project. Part of it was money I had received from my grandfather, an inheritance he took great pains to set up for his grandchildren before his death. Sometimes I imagine how I would have spent it if I had to get rid of it in a day. I could have paid for over a year’s worth of child care up front. I could have put it toward the master’s degree I’ve always wanted. I could have housed multiple families for months. Perhaps, inadvertently, I am; I occasionally wonder what the scammers did with it.

Because I had set it aside for emergencies and taxes, it was money I tried to pretend I didn’t have — it wasn’t for spending. Initially, I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to afford my taxes this year, but then my accountant told me I could write off losses due to theft. So from a financial standpoint, I’ll survive, as long as I don’t have another emergency — a real one — anytime soon.

When I did tell friends what had happened, it seemed like everyone had a horror story. One friend’s dad, a criminal-defense attorney, had been scammed out of $1.2 million. Another person I know, a real-estate developer, was duped into wiring $450,000 to someone posing as one of his contractors. Someone else knew a Wall Street executive who had been conned into draining her 401(k) by some guy she met at a bar.

I felt a guilty sense of consolation whenever I heard about a scam involving someone I respected. If this could happen to them, maybe I wasn’t such a moron. As a journalist, it’s my instinct to research and talk to experts, so I dove into books and podcasts about scams, desperate to make sense of my own. I had known that fraud was on the rise but was shocked to learn the numbers — financial losses ballooned by more than 30 percent in 2022. I read that self-laceration is typical; half of victims blame themselves for being gullible, and most experience serious anxiety, depression, or other stress-related health problems afterward. I heard about victim support groups. I went to therapy.

When I discovered that Katie Gatti Tassin, a personal-finance expert who writes the popular Money With Katie newsletter, lost $8,000 five years ago to a grandmotherly-sounding woman pretending to call from Tassin’s credit union, I called her to ask how she’d coped. “Everyone was so patronizing,” she told me. “The response was basically ‘It’s your fault that this happened.’”

If I had to pinpoint a moment that made me think my scammers were legitimate, it was probably when they read me my Social Security number. Now I know that all kinds of personal information — your email address, your kids’ names and birthdays, even your pets’ names — are commonly sold on the dark web. Of course, the scammers could also have learned about my son from a 30-second perusal of my Instagram feed.

It was my brother, the lawyer, who pointed out that what I had experienced sounded a lot like a coerced confession. “I read enough transcripts of bad interrogations in law school to understand that anyone can be convinced that they have a very narrow set of terrible options,” he said. When I posed this theory to Saul Kassin, a psychology professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice who studies coerced confessions, he agreed. “If someone is trying to get you to be compliant, they do it incrementally, in a series of small steps that take you farther and farther from what you know to be true,” he said. “It’s not about breaking the will. They were altering the sense of reality.” And when you haven’t done anything wrong, the risk of cooperating feels minimal, he added. An innocent person thinks everything will get sorted out. It also mattered that I was kept on the phone for so long. People start to break down cognitively after a few hours of interrogation. “At that point, they’re not thinking straight. They feel the need to put an end to the situation at all costs,” Kassin said.

I wondered how often scammers are caught and about the guy who’d driven the car to my apartment. But when I asked experts, they doubted he’d be a meaningful lead. One pointed out that he might have been a courier who was told to come pick up a box.

I still don’t believe that what happened to me could happen to anyone, but I’m starting to realize that I’m not uniquely fallible. Several friends felt strongly that if the scammers hadn’t mentioned my son, I would never have fallen for this. They’re right that I’d be willing to do — or pay — anything to protect him. Either way, I have to accept that someone waged psychological warfare on me, and I lost. For now, I just don’t answer my phone.

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What does it mean to claim the US is a Christian nation, and what does the Constitution say?

FILE - A statue of Benjamin Franklin is seen at The Franklin Institute, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015, in Philadelphia. Franklin, like some other key founders, admired Jesus as a moral teacher but would not pass a test of Christian orthodoxy. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

FILE - A statue of Benjamin Franklin is seen at The Franklin Institute, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015, in Philadelphia. Franklin, like some other key founders, admired Jesus as a moral teacher but would not pass a test of Christian orthodoxy. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

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Many Americans believe the United States was founded as a Christian nation, and the idea is energizing some conservative and Republican activists. But the concept means different things to different people, and historians say that while the issue is complex, the founding documents prioritize religious freedom and do not create a Christian nation.

Does the U.S. Constitution establish Christianity as an official religion?

What does the constitution say about religion.

“(N)o religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.” (Article VI)

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” (First Amendment)

FILE- President Joe Biden, with from left, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., pray and listen during the National Prayer Breakfast, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, at the Capitol in Washington. Johnson has spoken in the past of his belief America was founded as a Christian nation. Biden, while citing his own Catholic faith, has spoken of values shared by people of “any other faith, or no faith at all.” (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

If it says “Congress,” does the First Amendment apply to the states?

It does now. Early in the republic, some states officially sponsored particular churches, such as the Congregational Church in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Within a few decades, all had removed such support. The post-Civil War 14th Amendment guaranteed all U.S. citizens “equal protection of the laws” and said states couldn’t impede on their “privileges or immunities” without due process. In the 20th century, the Supreme Court applied that to a number of First Amendment cases involving religion, saying states couldn’t forbid public proselytizing, reimburse funding for religious education or sponsor prayer in public schools.

What does it mean to say America is a Christian nation?

It depends on whom you ask. Some believe God worked to bring European Christians to America in the 1600s and secure their independence in the 1700s. Some take the Puritan settlers at their word that they were forming a covenant with God, similar to the Bible’s description of ancient Israel, and see America as still subject to divine blessings or punishments depending on how faithful it is. Still others contend that some or all the American founders were Christian, or that the founding documents were based on Christianity.

That’s a lot to unpack. Let’s start at the top. What about the colonies?

Several had Christian language in their founding documents, such as Massachusetts, with established churches lasting decades after independence. Others, such as Rhode Island, offered broader religious freedom. It’s also arguable whether the colonies’ actions lived up to their words, given their histories of religious intolerance and their beginnings of centuries-long African slavery and wars on Native Americans.

What about the founders?

The leaders of the American Revolution and the new republic held a mix of beliefs — some Christian, some Unitarian, some deistic or otherwise theistic. Some key founders, like Benjamin Franklin, admired Jesus as a moral teacher but would fail a test of Christian orthodoxy. Many believed strongly in religious freedom, even as they also believed that religion was essential to maintain a virtuous citizenry.

Were the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution based on Christianity and the Ten Commandments?

References to the Creator and Nature’s God in the Declaration reflect a general theism that could be acceptable to Christians, Unitarians, deists and others. Both documents reflect Enlightenment ideas of natural rights and accountable government. Some also see these documents as influenced, or at least compatible, with Protestant emphasis on such ideas as human sin, requiring checks and balances. In fact, believers in a Christian America were some of the strongest opponents of ratifying the Constitution because of its omission of God references.

Were most early Americans Christian?

Many were and many weren’t. Early church membership was actually quite low, but revivals known as the First and Second Great Awakenings, before and after the Revolution, won a lot of converts. Many scholars see religious freedom as enabling multiple churches to grow and thrive.

Were Catholics considered Christian?

Not by many early Americans. Some state constitutions barred them from office.

How did that change?

Gradually, but by the time of the Cold War, many saw Catholics, Protestants and Jews as God-believing American patriots, allied in the face-off with the atheistic, communist Soviet Union.

Was it only conservatives citing the idea of a Christian nation?

No. Many proponents of the early 20th century social gospel saw their efforts to help the needy as part of building a Christian society. During World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt prayed on national radio for God’s blessing “in our united crusade ... over the unholy forces of our enemy.”

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote that civil rights protesters stood for “the most sacred values in our Judeo-Christian heritage.”

What do progressive Christians say today?

“Christian nationalism has traditionally employed images that advocate an idealized view of the nation’s identity and mission, while deliberately ignoring those persons who have been excluded, exploited, and persecuted,” said a 2021 statement from the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, an umbrella group that includes multiple progressive denominations.

What do Americans believe about this?

Six in 10 U.S. adults said the founders originally intended America to be a Christian nation, according to a 2022 Pew Research Center survey. Forty-five percent said the U.S. should be a Christian nation, but only a third thought it was one currently.

Among white evangelical Protestants, 81% said the founders intended a Christian nation, and the same number said that the U.S. should be one — but only 23% thought it currently was one, according to Pew.

In a 2021 Pew report, 15% of U.S. adults surveyed said the federal government should declare the U.S. a Christian nation, while 18% said the U.S. Constitution was inspired by God.

One-third of U.S. adults surveyed in 2023 said God intended America to be a promised land for European Christians to set an example to the world, according to a Public Religion Research Institute/Brookings survey. Those who embraced this view were also more likely to dismiss the impact of anti-Black discrimination and more likely to say true patriots may need to act violently to save the country, the survey said.

Sources: Pew Research Center; Public Religion Research Institute/Brookings; “Was America Founded as a Christian Nation?” by John Fea.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

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Why Is Everything Suddenly Taylor Swift’s Fault?

essay diwali meaning

By Jennifer Weiner

Ms. Weiner is a novelist. Her most recent book is “The Breakaway.”

Ask the people in your life to name a woman who’s got it good, with wealth and beauty and talent and true love, and I’d bet at least a few of them would name Taylor Swift.

Ms. Swift, the 34-year-old pop icon, who made history last Sunday as the only musician to win four best-album Grammy Awards, checks many of the important boxes. She is white and thin and blond in a world that continues to privilege whiteness and thinness and blondness. She’s a billionaire with an enviable real estate portfolio, a loyal coterie of girlfriends and, for the past five months or so, a handsome, cheerfully goofy N.F.L. player boyfriend who seems smitten with her. On Sunday, she may take a break from her worldwide Eras tour and fly in from Japan to watch him play in the Super Bowl. Hashtag blessed, right?

But if you spend 10 minutes on X or Threads, or eavesdropping on N.F.L. message boards or watching TikToks, you will notice that factions that do not agree about anything share an absolute certainty that Taylor Swift is trouble. She’s doing too much, except when she’s not doing enough, and she’s always doing it wrong.

I’m not the first to observe that a pretty blonde dating a handsome football player should, at least for white people of a certain age, evoke all the simpler bygone vibes (Friday-night lights, milkshakes with two straws, letterman jackets) that conservatives could want. Except — oops! — the pretty blonde endorses Democrats. And Travis Kelce, the football hero, appears in commercials for vaccines (bad) and Bud Light ( somehow worse ).

And why does she hog the spotlight at his games? She’s Yoko Ono-ing him and jinxing his team, the Kansas City Chiefs, except when she misses a game — and is still, somehow, jinxing the team, which made it to the Super Bowl anyway, proof right there, somehow, of a vast left-wing conspiracy.

Of course, anyone subjected to that much distilled man-cave fury should be beloved by the opposing team, the folks with dye in their hair and pronouns in their online biographies, right?

Think again.

Environmentally minded critics have called Ms. Swift a climate criminal for frequently flying on a private jet. In 2022, she topped a list of “celebrity emitters” that blamed her jet for pumping 8,293.54 metric tons of CO₂ s into the atmosphere. (A spokeswoman told The Washington Post that those figures were misleading, since Ms. Swift regularly lent the plane to others.) They got even angrier when her representatives sent a cease-and-desist letter to a Florida college student who tracked and publicized that data.

If the jet is a problem, the money that pays for it is an even bigger one. Summarizing a whole lot of online chatter, an article in the Australian outlet SBS asks, who is making Ms. Swift’s merchandise? “Are they working reasonable hours and paid appropriately? Did she really need to release that much merchandise? Are her tickets being sold to fans at a reasonable price?”

Ms. Swift gave the staff of her Eras tour $100,000 bonuses , for a reported tota l of more than $55 million, and she quietly made large donations to food pantries in the cities the tour passed through. But to these critics, an ethical billionaire is a contradiction in terms, and Ms. Swift’s at fault for trying to reach the top of oppressive power structures when she could be trying to dismantle them instead.

Of course, race is also part of the debate. Some people are angered by Ms. Swift’s failure to condemn her recent ex Matty Healy, the lead singer of the British band the 1975, who was filmed onstage giving what appeared to be a Nazi salute. During interviews, he lobbed vile insults at the rapper Ice Spice and talked about watching pornography that degraded Black women.

“Whether she’s dating Healy or this is all an elaborate PR scheme,” Kelly Pau wrote in Salon , “Swift has proven herself to be another white woman who claims to be an ally, claims Black Lives Matter and calls herself a feminist — but only as long as it serves her.” Others point out that Mr. Kelce’s previous girlfriend is Black and that in some quarters, his relationship with Ms. Swift is being celebrated as a kind of glorious return to sanity.

As Brittany Packnett Cunningham has noted, some people seem to regard Ms. Swift as a “symbol of pure whiteness.” Writing on Threads, the MSNBC analyst said, “in their ‘replacement fears,’ defending her is defending whiteness itself.”

But wait, there’s more. Some fans are disappointed that Ms. Swift attended a Brooklyn stop on the comedian Ramy Youssef’s More Feelings tour, an event that raised money for Gazan relief efforts. “She owes Israelis and Jewish Americans an apology,” said the talk-show host Megyn Kelly. Meanwhile, fans using the hashtag #SwiftiesforPalestine have asked Ms. Swift to call for an immediate cease-fire, cut ties with Israeli companies and to publicly support Palestinians.

Fans with disabilities have complained that Ms. Swift’s accessible-ticket sales were a mess — and that her concerts didn’t offer enough A.D.A.-compliant seats.

Even Ms. Swift’s affection for cats has come under fire. In particular, critics say, her affection for her two Scottish Fold cats increased the breed’s popularity, causing unscrupulous opportunists to over-breed them, which resulted in unfortunate genetic mutations.

A racist ex! A pollutant-spewing private jet! White feminism! The sins of capitalism! Mutant cats! All her fault!

It’s a tale as old as time: how it’s impossible for any woman — whether superstar or mere mortal — to get it right. It’s a “Barbie” monologue (Taylor’s version):

You have to have money, but you can’t ask for money because that’s crass. You have to be a boss, but you can’t be too powerful. You have to be a career woman but not ambitious.

You have to answer for men’s bad behavior, which is insane, but if you point that out, you’re accused of complaining.

But always stand out and always be grateful. But never forget that the system is rigged. You have to never get old, never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down, never fail, never show fear, never get out of line. It’s too hard! And it turns out in fact that not only are you doing everything wrong, but also everything is your fault.

Despite winning pretty much everything, it seems, Taylor Swift can’t win.

But in that sea of TikToks and X posts, open letters and petitions and demands, there’s something heartening happening, too.

When I was a teenager, I’m not sure it would have occurred to me to think about how whiteness might have been at work on the pop charts or demand that Debbie Gibson seize the means of production. It’s encouraging to see Ms. Swift’s young fans talking about race and power and privilege and gender.

And it’s hard to imagine that those critics wouldn’t also think about their own lives, their own feminism and carbon footprint, the stands they take, the pets they choose. In demanding Taylor Swift do better — even when there’s no consensus about what “better” looks like — a whole lot of Swifties may end up doing better themselves.

Jennifer Weiner is a novelist. Her most recent book is “The Breakaway.”

Source photograph by Caroline Brehman/EPA, via Shutterstock

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , X and Threads .

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    Prachi Gupta Updated on Oct 26, 2023 6 minute read 10 shares Diwali is one of the biggest festivals of India which is celebrated with great fervour. The festival is also known as Deepavali, a beautiful Indian festival that is a symbol of good over evil. The word 'Diwali' has been derived from the Sanskrit word 'Deepavali' which means row of lights.

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    However, they maintain the general spiritual meaning. That is to increase awareness of the inner light. Diwali in other Parts of the World. In Asia, especially Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, people celebrate Diwali by placing lamps and candles on banana leaves together with coins and incense sticks.

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