This compilation of Diwali quotes highlights the love, joy, and unity felt during this grand Hindu Festival. Also know as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. It’s a festival that brings families and communities together, illuminating homes and hearts alike.
As millions around the world prepare to celebrate Diwali, these quotes capture the true spirit of the festival. They reflect it’s beauty, essence, and what it means to those who celebrate it. In addition to the Diwali quotes in this article, we’ll explore Diwali’s origins, traditions, and its vibrant presence in worldwide culture.
What is Diwali?
Diwali, or Deepavali, meaning “row of lights,” is a major Hindu festival celebrated by millions around the world. Marking the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, Diwali is celebrated with an array of lights, oil lamps, fireworks, prayers, and feasts. The festival lasts for five days, with the main day falling on the darkest new moon night of the Hindu month Kartika, which usually falls between mid-October and mid-November.
While the roots of Diwali are deeply embedded in Hindu mythology, the festival is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, each with their own unique interpretations and customs. In the Hindu tradition of northern India, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and a victorious battle against the demon king Ravana. To honor their return, the people of Ayodhya illuminated the kingdom with rows of oil lamps, which is why lights play such a central role in Diwali celebrations today.
Southern India celebrates it as the day that Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, and in western India the festival marks the day that Lord Vishnu sent the demon King Bali to rule the nether world.
Diwali Traditions and Customs
Diwali is more than just a festival; it’s an important family celebration involving traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. In the days leading up to Diwali, homes are cleaned and decorated with rangoli (beautifully intricate patterns made from colored powders, rice, or flower petals). Special prayers, or pujas, are performed to honor Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
The celebration includes exchanging Diwali gifts, lighting lamps in and outside the home, and spending time with loved ones. Diwali is also known for its feasts, featuring delicious treats like ladoos, barfis, and gujiyas. The festival culminates in an explosion of color and sound with fireworks and firecrackers lighting up the night sky, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
Having an Eco-Friendly Diwali
Recently there has been a push to lessen the environmental impact of Diwali festivities (many of which can be environmentally harmful), to reduce chemical emissions that contribute to climate change. In an effort to move toward a more green Diwali, there are several things that celebrators can do!
A few easy ways to reduce your environmental impact this Diwali include:
1. Use LED Lights
Traditional lights, known as diyas, are made of clay and use oil to burn. While lovely and traditional, they contribute to air pollution. An eco-friendly option is to use LED lights instead.
2. Make Rangoli with Natural Dyes
Rangoli colors are often made from chemicals that can harm the environment. A more environmentally friendly option is to make your rangoli with natural colors. Natural color dyes are easy to make from a variety of materials, such as flowers, spices, and vegetables.
3. Use Recycled Decorations
Instead of buying new, try to reuse old decorations or make your own from recycled materials. This is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and also save money. Get friends together and have everyone bring materials they no longer want or need, then see what beautiful decorations you can come up with!
4. Say no to firecrackers
Firecrackers are a big part of Diwali celebrations, but they’re also very bad for the environment. Firecrackers release harmful pollutants into the air and can cause respiratory problems. To protect the environment, participate in other Diwali festivities like gift giving, decorating, and sharing sweet treats, but say no to firecrackers.
Quotes to Illuminate and Inspire You This Diwali
We hope you enjoy this collection of Diwali quotes, sayings, and greetings as you prepare to celebrate the festival of lights!
Please tell us your favorite Diwali quote in the comment section!
Diwali Quotes about Light
Diwali is a celebration of light and hope, a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always a glimmer of light guiding us forward.
“The light is not in the stars, but in the lamp that burns in our hands.” — Rabindranath Tagore
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” — Desmond Tutu
“Diwali is a reminder that the light of truth will always prevail over the darkness of deceit.” — Unknown
“Light must come from inside. You cannot ask the darkness to leave; you must turn on the light.” — Sogyal Rinpoche
“Diwali (Lakshmi Pujan/Amavasya) is the darkest night of the year. And our ancestors have taught us to overcome darkness with light.” ― Harihar D. Naik
Diwali Quotes about Unity and Ascension
At its core, Diwali is about the triumph of good over evil. These quotes remind us of the importance of integrity, kindness, moral strength, and unity.
“Let’s rise from ignorance to truth. Let’s rise from darkness to light.” ― Abhijit Naskar
“Celebrate the Festival of Lights by cherishing the bonds of love, compassion, and togetherness.” — Unknown
“This Diwali; empower someone to enjoy the Festival of Lights, by making their life bright.” ― Vikram Verma
“Diwali signifies the universal goal of eliminating ignorance by pursuing knowledge and wisdom.” — Amit Ray
“Diwali is a festival of light and hope, not of pollution and death.” ― Abhijit Naskar
Diwali Quotes about Prosperity and New Beginnings
Diwali is a time for new beginnings, prosperity, and fresh starts. These quotes capture the spirit of renewal that Diwali brings.
“Allow the earthen lamp’s flame to cleanse your heart, mind, and soul.” ― Shree Shambav
- “May the divine light of Diwali bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to your life.” — Unknown
“Diwali is about setting goals, not accumulating gold. As Lakshmi comes from Lakshya, meaning goal.” ― Tapan Ghosh
“Diwali echoes the sparking lights of unity, love and compassion. Each diya carries the promise of shared values of joy.” ― Amit Ray
Gratitude and Inner Reflection During Diwali
Diwali also encourages a time of reflection, gratitude, and inner spiritual growth, as is reflected in these beautiful quotes.
“This Diwali welcome the thoughts, rich in peace, to your abode called heart.” — Vikram Verma
“You cannot celebrate the festival of light before combating the darkness within.” ― Kapil Raj
“Allow each lamp you light to bring a smile to your face and to enlighten your soul.” ― Shree Shambav
“Diwali is not just a festival but way of celebrating the true homecoming, welcoming your true-self to your mind, body and soul.” ― Vikram Verma
“May the festival of light brighten your life. Every new day comes with a new spark of happiness. A shower of blessings from God keeps running over your house. Songs of love and music of peace make you dance and fill your soul with joy. I wish you and your family a very happy Diwali.” ― Mohammed Zaki Ansari
Popular Diwali Wishes and Greetings
Here are the best happy Diwali wishes and cheerful greetings for this auspicious occasion!
“Best wishes for a joyous Diwali filled with love and happiness.”
“May the lights of Diwali burn away your problems. Wishing you a glowing Diwali!“
“May the festivities of Diwali illuminate your heart and soul. Have a joyful Diwali!”
“May the glow of Diwali fill your heart with joy and your life with happiness. Happy Diwali!”
“Let’s make this Diwali joyous and bright; Let’s celebrate in true sense this festival of light. Happy Deepawali.”
“I hope you have a very happy and prosperous Diwali. May the Goddess Lakshmi bless you with all that you desire.”
“May the lamps of Diwali brighten your life and Rangoli add more hues to your life. Have a Happy Diwali!”
“Wishing you a Diwali that is as sweet as the mithai and as bright as the fireworks. Have a safe and joyous Diwali!”
“May the festival of lights bring you new opportunities, success, and prosperity! Have a very blessed Diwali!”
“May the sound of crackers and sweets bring more glee and cheer. The mirth, merriment, and joy of this divine festival surround you for the rest of your life. Happy Deepavali.” ― Shree Shambav
Let the Light of Diwali Illuminate You
Diwali is quickly becoming a festival with universal appear. From Bollywood movies that capture the vibrant spirit of the festival to Diwali episodes in popular TV shows, the themes of light, love, and community are celebrated in numerous creative ways. Leading up to Diwali you will notice social media platforms also come alive with Diwali greetings, images, and videos shared by people worldwide.
However, Diwali is more than just a festival; it’s a time for reflection, renewal, and connection. Beyond the vibrant lights and joyous festivities, Diwali encourages us to look inward, to recognize our shared humanity, and to extend our hands in friendship and love. It reminds us that each small act of kindness, each moment of gratitude, and each step toward understanding can help dispel darkness in the world. It’s an opportunity to embrace the light within us and to share it with everyone we meet.
As you light the lamps this Diwali, may you also light the way for peace, compassion, and unity in your own life and in the lives of others. And may these quotes inspire you to reflect on the deeper meanings of the festival, to appreciate the bonds that unite us, and to embrace the spirit of hope, kindness, and joy that Diwali brings.
May your Diwali be filled with light, laughter, and love, and may these words serve as a gentle reminder of the festival’s timeless values. Happy Diwali!