diwali: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-medium in general English; High in contexts related to Indian culture, religion, or multicultural events.Formal, neutral, religious/cultural; appears in news, educational, and interfaith contexts.
Quick answer
What does “diwali” mean?
A major Hindu festival of lights, celebrated annually in the autumn, symbolizing the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A major Hindu festival of lights, celebrated annually in the autumn, symbolizing the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
The festival is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists, involving the lighting of diyas (oil lamps), fireworks, family gatherings, feasts, and the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. It is increasingly recognized as a cultural event in multicultural societies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. In the UK, due to a large Indian diaspora, public awareness and celebration (e.g., in schools, city events) is generally higher than in the US, though major US cities also hold events.
Connotations
In both varieties, it primarily denotes a specific religious/cultural festival. In multicultural UK discourse, it's often cited as a key example of cultural diversity.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English media and public discourse, especially around October-November.
Grammar
How to Use “diwali” in a Sentence
We celebrated Diwali.Diwali is celebrated in October or November.They wished us a Happy Diwali.The family gathers for Diwali.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diwali” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The community will Diwali-celebrate together in the town hall.
American English
- They Diwali-fied their home with strings of lights.
adjective
British English
- The Diwali celebrations in Leicester are spectacular.
- She wore a beautiful Diwali outfit.
American English
- We attended a Diwali party at the university.
- The store has a special Diwali collection.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
May be referenced in diversity emails, greetings to Indian colleagues/clients, or in retail contexts ('Diwali sales').
Academic
Appears in religious studies, anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies texts discussing Hinduism or multiculturalism.
Everyday
Used in greetings, invitations to celebrations, and discussions of holiday plans within relevant communities.
Technical
Not typically a technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diwali”
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diwali”
- Mispronouncing as /daɪˈwɑːli/ (with a long 'i').
- Misspelling as 'Diwaly', 'Divali'.
- Assuming it is a 'Hindu New Year' everywhere in India (this is regional).
- Using 'Christmas' as a direct equivalent in comparisons.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Diwali falls on different dates each year, determined by the Hindu lunisolar calendar, usually in October or November.
While predominantly a Hindu festival, it is widely celebrated across India by people of various faiths as a cultural event, though some communities do not observe it.
'Deepavali' is the original Sanskrit-derived name, meaning 'row of lights'. 'Diwali' is a contraction of this, more common in North India and in general English. They refer to the same festival.
In diaspora communities (e.g., UK, US, Canada), it is celebrated with community gatherings, temple visits, cultural shows, and public events. It's increasingly acknowledged by governments and institutions.
A major Hindu festival of lights, celebrated annually in the autumn, symbolizing the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Diwali is usually formal, neutral, religious/cultural; appears in news, educational, and interfaith contexts. in register.
Diwali: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈwɑːli/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈwɑːli/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Light up like Diwali (informal, means to become brilliantly illuminated or very happy).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Diwali: DIya (lamp) + WALI (a row) -> think of a row of lamps lighting up the festival.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIGHT IS GOOD / KNOWLEDGE; DARKNESS IS EVIL / IGNORANCE. The festival physically enacts the metaphor of illuminating darkness.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary symbolism of Diwali?