- Month
- October or November
- Also called
- Deepavali
- Main day in Tamil Nadu
- Naraka Chaturdashi
When it happens
Deepavali follows the lunar calendar, so the date moves each year, usually falling in late October or November. In Tamil Nadu the main celebrations are on the morning of Naraka Chaturdashi, a day earlier than in much of north India.
What it means
Across India the festival marks the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. In the north it is tied to Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is also worshipped, and many businesses treat the season as the start of a good year. In Tamil Nadu the story most people tell is of Lord Krishna defeating the demon Narakasura, which is why the day begins so early.
How it is celebrated
A typical Tamil Deepavali includes:
- An early morning oil bath, followed by new clothes
- Crackers from before dawn, continuing through the day
- Clay agal vilakku lamps lined up at doorways and on walls at dusk
- Home-made sweets such as adhirasam, Mysore pak and jangiri, shared with neighbours and relatives
- Special pujas at home and decorated temples with devotional music
Tips for travellers
Trains and buses fill up fast in the days around Deepavali as people head home, so book tickets well ahead. Many shops close on the day itself, while markets are extremely busy the week before. Crackers can be loud well into the night, so if you are sensitive to noise, choose a hotel away from dense residential streets. We can help you plan travel dates around the holiday.
Plan it with us
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