This ancient celebration, which is linked to multiple stories in various religious texts, makes it impossible to say which came first or how long ago Diwali started. Many of these stories are about the triumph of good over evil. The history and origin of Diwali weave together a tapestry of diverse cultures and religions.

Diwali, derived from the Sanskrit word "Deepavali," meaning "rows of light," finds its roots deeply embedded in Hindu mythology. For Hindus, especially in the North, Diwali signifies the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, during which he defeated the demon king Ravana, symbolising the victory of light over darkness. In some parts of India, especially in Bengal, this festival of lights is dedicated to the worship of Maa Kali, the dark goddess of strength. It is said that Goddess Kali took birth to save the earth and heaven from the hands of cruel Demons. Astonishingly, in this process, Goddess Kali lost control over her wrath and started slaughtering everyone who came in her way. It is believed that Lord Shiva had to intervene to stop her from her killing spree. A lot of Hindus worship Goddess Laxmi on Diwali, an ode to Her being the goddess of prosperity and wealth. The day is marked as the birthday of the goddess, which happens to come on every new moon day of the month of Kartik. For some communities, especially those in business and trade, Diwali marks the beginning of the Hindu financial year, samvat, and the Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped in the evening. It’s interesting to note that while the popular association of Diwali is with the return of Rama to Ayodhya, there are no references to Diwali or Deepavali in the Ramayana or even Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas. However, there are several Puranic references to Diwali and Deepotsava that explain the different connections between Shiva, Parvati, Lakshmi and the festival.
 

In the Jain tradition, Diwali marks the spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, who attained enlightenment, known as "Nirvana," on this auspicious day. Sikhs also celebrate Diwali to honour the release of their sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, along with 52 Hindu princes, from imprisonment by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. This festival holds significance in the Sikh community as it represents the triumph of righteousness and freedom. 

The celebrations predominantly consist of a number of Diwali customs, traditions and rituals that span across the five auspicious days of the festival. Starting with Dhanteras, derived from dhana (wealth) trayodashi (13th day), it is an auspicious day for buying gold, silver or utensils for the home and offering prayers invoking prosperity. Then comes Naraka Chaturdashi, celebrated usually in Maharashtra, which signifies the victory over Narakasur and is an auspicious day for buying sweets and food for the next day’s celebrations. It is also called Chhoti (little) Diwali and is a day for visiting family, friends or business partners and exchanging gifts. Next is the main day, Diwali, which is celebrated by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, People on diwali light lamps and burst crackers (now reduced by Supreme Court advisory and environmental concerns). Day 4 is usually celebrated differently in different cultures and regions around India. This day celebrates the bond between husband and wife, as well as the prosperity of a family by offering a ‘mountain of food’ (annakoot) to the gods. Govardhan Puja refers to the legend of Krishna saving the cowherds and farmers from the wrath of Indra and the incessant rain by lifting the Govardhan mountain for them to take shelter under. Scholars have made several post-harvest and soil fertility associations with respect to the rituals that usually incorporate the use of cow dung. Vishwakarma, the Hindu god of engineering and architecture, is worshipped by the Sikh community as well since it is the first day of the new work year. The fifth day, “Bhai Dooj”  celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. A story about the Hindu god of death, Yama, and his sister Yamuna, is associated with this day when the brother goes to visit his sister and is welcomed with a tilak (auspicious mark of protection and greeting), food and gifts.

There are many types of diwali that is celebrated across India. Bhudi Diwali is a traditional way of celebrating Diwali in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This unique and culturally rich celebration has its own set of customs and rituals. Here are some key points about the "Himachali Bhudi Diwali. Bhudi Diwali '' is a regional variation of Diwali that is celebrated in Himachal Pradesh. It is believed to have originated in the Chamba region of the state and has gradually spread to other parts. 

Bathukamma Festival In Telangana, the festival of Bathukamma often coincides with Diwali. Bathukamma is a floral festival where women create colourful flower arrangements and participate in dances and songs. This festival symbolises life and the worship of the goddess Gauri. 

Activities like deep cleaning the house, gambling before Diwali, visiting friends and family, indulging in a plethora of decadent cuisines and decorating one’s home and workplace with flowers and rangoli are the standard customs and traditions that resemble the coming of this festival. 

During Diwali, the traditional attire adorning men and women alike transforms the landscape into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, intricate designs and cultural heritage. One of the most beautiful aspects of Diwali is the tradition of wearing new clothes. It signifies a fresh start, a new beginning, and the shedding of old negativity. 

Sarees, often chosen as the outfit of choice for women, represent this renewal and transformation. They hold a special significance in Diwali rituals and traditions and are considered traditional attire for women during this festive season. Sarees are not only a symbol of Indian culture and tradition but also reflect the elegance and grace of women. Women are often also seen graced in lehengas during these festivities.

Each day of the celebration, starting from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj manifests their cultural importance through the kind of saree worn. The preferred dhanteras saree is usually in the colours gold or yellow, signifying the abundance of wealth. Fabrics like silk and brocade are favoured for their opulence, beauty, and purity. You can also find motifs such as coins, lamps, and floral patterns on these. The motifs signify monetary prosperity and good fortune. Choti Diwali, also known as Kali Chaudas, is the second day of Diwali celebrations. The significance of Choti Diwali is associated with warding off evil. Wearing dark colours like black or blue symbolises protection from negative energies. However, in Hindu culture, wearing black clothes for ritualistic events is prohibited. Hence, it is ideal to opt for dark colours in blue, green, purple, etc. It is only suitable for the women of the house to deck up in the most resplendent attires that include the best festival saree for Diwali. Vibrant hues in red, orange, and pink are popular choices, symbolising joy and festivity. To stand out, women often try intricate drapes and pallu designs that add an extra touch of glamour to the attire. To complete the look, they take out their treasured jewellery pieces and adorn themselves with them to denote prosperity. The next day after Diwali is the Govardhan Puja. On this day, women pick a traditional saree for Govardhan Pooja. These festival sarees showcase minimal designs and muted colours and are preferred to maintain the solemnity of the occasion.

Kurta pyjamas are traditional outfits for men. They consist of a long tunic (kurta) and loose-fitting pants (pyjamas). Kurta pyjamas can be made from a variety of fabrics, including cotton, linen, and silk. They are often decorated with embroidery or printed designs. A sherwani is a must on festive occasions like Diwali. Sherwani is formal wear and has been used since at least the 1800s. It is a meticulously crafted kurta that has a strong structure and leaves the men looking extremely royal.

Fast forward to the present day, and while the essence of traditional attire remains, there's a noticeable shift towards more contemporary, often Westernised styles. Designers are reimagining traditional outfits with a modern twist, incorporating new fabrics, cuts, and embellishments that appeal to a global audience. This shift is not just about fashion but also symbolises the blending of cultures and the evolution of Indian identity in a globalised world. Sustainability in fashion has become a global conversation, and Deepavali is joining this important dialogue. Reusing and repurposing existing outfits, opting for sustainable brands, and choosing quality over quantity are becoming integral parts of the Deepavali fashion narrative. This approach not only honours the festival's spirit of renewal and rejuvenation but also paves the way for a more responsible and conscious fashion future.