Diwali, sometimes called Deepavali or Deepawali, is a Hindu celebration, which is often also celebrated by some who believe in Sikhism or Jainism. It is known as the ‘festival of lights’, and symbolises the victory of goodness, light, and knowledge over evil, darkness, and ignorance. This year (2025), Diwali celebrations will be observed from the 18th-22nd October, with the 20th October being the most important date, by those who celebrate it.
How It Is Observed
Those who celebrate Diwali will often decorate their houses and shops with small lamps called ‘diyas’, candles, and lanterns. The name ‘Diwali’ is even derived from the Sanskrit word ‘dipavali’, which means, ‘row of lights.’
Some communities may observe Diwali with vivid firework displays. Public buildings may also be decorated with lights for the celebrations.
Rangoli is a form of folk art which is commonly created during Diwali, originating in the Indian subcontinent. Rangoli are made up of bright colours and detailed patterns, often produced on floors or tabletops. This is done using coloured sand, minerals, and other materials. Those who create these patterns for spiritual reasons believe they are seen as welcoming to the Hindu goddess Lakshmi.
Other festival observances may include buying new clothes, sharing sweets, and preparing and eating meals with friends and family.
Should Christians Partake in Diwali Celebrations?
It’s important for us to remember that Diwali isn’t just a cultural festival for many celebrating it, but one that holds deep spiritual significance according to their religion. As believers, we are not to participate in the worship of idols, so we should use discernment regarding joining in specific activities that may be done primarily to honour them.
Aside from the more overtly religious celebrations, some believers may find themselves invited to join friends and family members who are celebrating Diwali for meals or other festivities. Some believers may feel convicted against attending these events, while others may feel freedom in going, abstaining from honouring idols, but going as a light and witness of the truth to their loved ones and celebrating the cultural aspects of the holiday with them. If you’re not sure how to respond to an invitation to one of these events, it is important to pray and ask God to lead you, and listen to His guidance.
The words of 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 and 1 Corinthians 10:14-33 may be significant to meditate on as you prayerfully consider these matters.
If you feel convicted against attending any Diwali celebrations, it may be wise to politely and lovingly decline invitations to them. There are other ways we can respond with love.
How Can We Respond?
Regardless of whether or not we are joining our friends and neighbours for any Diwali celebrations, we can seek to learn more about the cultures they will celebrating at the time. We can also seek to learn more about how we might serve these loved ones well, during this time and beyond, sharing the love of Jesus with them in a practical way.
Noting the themes celebrated at Diwali, such as goodness, light, and knowledge triumphing over evil, darkness, and ignorance, we might see the festival as an invitation to pray for our Hindu friends and family members, that they may find that the true example and victor of these things is Jesus Christ. In addition to praying, we may be given the opportunity to be a witness of the truth to our loved ones who will be observing Diwali, sharing the gospel with them.
Below, a Christian who has left behind past Hindu beliefs gives an example of how we might share the good news of Jesus Christ to Hindu friends and family members during Diwali. He shows us how we can share that Jesus is the light of the world during a time that many are celebrating light. You can also find the video here.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12, NIV)
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