An infographic journey through the Festival of Lights, exploring its rituals, legends, and diverse cultural expressions based on the Analytical Report.
5
Structured Days
A spiritual journey from purification to celebration.
3+
Major Faiths
Celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and others.
1
Unifying Theme
The victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Each day of Diwali has a unique purpose and story, creating a profound narrative arc for the festival.
The Inauguration of Holistic Prosperity
The festival begins by focusing on well-being, linking material wealth with physical health. It's a day for cleaning, preparation, and making auspicious purchases to invite prosperity. Key deities are Lakshmi (wealth) and Dhanvantari (health).
This chart visualizes the core philosophy of Dhanteras: a balanced focus on both material prosperity and physical well-being, as represented by the legends of Lakshmi and Dhanvantari.
The Purging of Evil
Also known as 'Choti Diwali', this day celebrates the victory of good over evil, based on Lord Krishna's defeat of the demon Narakasura. Rituals like a pre-dawn oil bath symbolize the cleansing of spiritual impurities.
The dominant theme of Day 2 is the triumph of good, as depicted in the legend of Krishna's victory, which is the primary focus of the day's celebrations and rituals.
The Luminous Zenith
The main day of Diwali. On this new moon night, homes are lit with rows of diyas to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. It also commemorates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya. The worship of Ganesha, Lakshmi, and Saraswati signifies that true prosperity is guided by wisdom and free of obstacles.
This visualization highlights the three pillars of Lakshmi Puja: seeking prosperity (Lakshmi), removing obstacles (Ganesha), and valuing knowledge (Saraswati) for holistic success.
Gratitude for Nature & New Beginnings
This day has diverse traditions. In the North, it's Govardhan Puja, celebrating Krishna lifting a mountain to protect villagers, honoring nature. In the West and South, it's Bali Pratipada, marking a new year for many and honoring King Bali's devotion.
The chart shows the day's dual focus: reverence for nature (Govardhan Puja) and the marking of new beginnings (Bali Pratipada/New Year), which are the major themes celebrated.
The Sanctification of Sibling Bonds
The festival concludes by celebrating the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a 'tilak' on their brothers' foreheads, praying for their long life and well-being, a ritual rooted in the legend of Yama and his sister Yamuna.
This visualization represents the core of Bhai Dooj: the reciprocal relationship of a sister's prayers for her brother's longevity and his vow to protect her.
While a major Hindu festival, the 'festival of lights' provides a cultural framework for other faiths to commemorate their own pivotal events.
This chart compares the core reasons for Diwali celebrations across Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, showing how a single festival can hold diverse meanings. The length of the bar represents the conceptual focus of the celebration.
Diwali's expression varies significantly across India, with local legends and deities shaping the celebrations.
The Pan-Indian Festival of Lights
Focus on Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya. Celebrations include Ramlila plays and grand Lakshmi Puja.
Focus on Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura. Main day is often Naraka Chaturdashi.
Focus on New Year celebrations (Bestu Varas) and consecrating new account books (Chopda Puja).
Focus on worship of the fierce Goddess Kali during Kali Puja on the new moon night.
This diagram illustrates how the single festival of Diwali branches into four major regional expressions, each shaped by a dominant local legend or tradition.