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Deepavali (Diwali)

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The festival of lights, celebrated on the new-moon night of Kartik. Inscribed by UNESCO in December 2025.

Where: All of IndiaWhen: Kartik Amavasya (October–November), over five daysUNESCO heritage 2025

How it is performed

  1. Day 1, Dhanteras: homes are cleaned and new utensils or gold are bought.
  2. Day 2, Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali): an early oil bath and lamps to mark the victory over the demon Narakasura.
  3. Day 3, Lakshmi Puja on the new-moon night: diyas, rangoli and prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Shri Ganesha.
  4. Day 4, Govardhan Puja / Annakut, and in Gujarat the new year.
  5. Day 5, Bhai Dooj: sisters pray for their brothers' well-being.

Significance

Deepavali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, including the return of Bhagwan Shri Ram to Ayodhya. Jains mark the nirvana of Bhagwan Mahavira and Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas. UNESCO inscribed Deepavali on its Representative List on 10 December 2025, at the committee session held at the Red Fort, New Delhi: India's 16th element.

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