Diwali, the grand festival of lights, has always been much more than a spectacle of fireworks and sweets. It is a festival woven with threads of spirituality, symbolism, and ancient wisdom that dates back thousands of years. However, over time, many Diwali customs that once carried deep philosophical and cultural meanings have been forgotten or overshadowed by the modern rush of consumerism and decoration. To truly understand the soul of this festival, one must revisit these forgotten customs and uncover their hidden meanings.
The Essence of Diwali: Beyond Lights and Fireworks
The word Diwali or Deepavali means “a row of lamps.” Yet, the essence of this festival goes far beyond lighting diyas. It marks the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Each ritual, every custom, and even the timing of Diwali is rooted in ancient Indian philosophy. Traditionally, Diwali was celebrated not only for joy but also as a period of self-purification, gratitude, and renewal — both material and spiritual.
However, in today’s fast-paced world, many Diwali customs that once defined the festival’s depth have either faded away or become symbolic gestures. Understanding them reconnects us with our heritage and restores the sanctity of the festival.
1. The Ritual of Oil Baths: Cleansing the Soul
In many parts of India, especially in the South, an early morning oil bath on Diwali is considered sacred. Known as Abhyanga Snan, this ritual is performed before sunrise using sesame oil mixed with herbs.
Hidden Meaning
The oil bath is symbolic of washing away past sins and negative energies. Sesame oil, considered the “oil of life,” is believed to remove toxins and purify both body and soul. The act signifies inner cleansing — preparing oneself to welcome the new year with purity and positivity.
Unfortunately, with modern lifestyles, this ritual is often replaced by quick showers or skipped altogether, losing its deeper meaning of renewal and gratitude to the body.
2. Lighting the First Diya in Front of Tulsi or Peepal
In ancient times, families lit the first earthen lamp not in their living rooms but in front of the sacred Tulsi (holy basil) plant or Peepal tree in their courtyard. The Tulsi Diya was considered a symbol of divine energy and protection.
Hidden Meaning
The Tulsi plant represents purity, devotion, and the presence of Goddess Lakshmi. Lighting a diya near Tulsi signifies inviting positive energy and warding off negativity. It also reflects a deep ecological awareness — a way of thanking nature and plants for sustaining life.
This beautiful Diwali custom is now often replaced by decorative electric lights, disconnecting us from the natural and spiritual bond that ancient households nurtured daily.
3. Churning of the Home: The Forgotten “Bhootnaash” Ritual
Days before Diwali, Indian homes were thoroughly cleaned and renovated — an act commonly known as Diwali Safai. While today it is viewed as a domestic chore, traditionally it was a sacred practice known as Bhootnaash — destroying negative forces or energies lingering in the environment.
Hidden Meaning
This Diwali custom represents more than physical cleaning; it is spiritual decluttering. Ancient texts describe that removing dust and cobwebs also removes stagnation and brings the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to reside only in clean and vibrant spaces. Psychologically, it fosters mental clarity and peace before entering the new year.
4. The Use of Cow Dung Lamps and Rangoli
In rural India, people made diyas using cow dung and clay, often mixed with turmeric and water. Similarly, rangoli designs were drawn using rice flour rather than artificial colors.
Hidden Meaning
Cow dung was believed to have antiseptic properties and symbolized fertility, protection, and prosperity. Lighting lamps made from natural materials connected humans to the earth’s elements. The rice flour rangoli was not only decorative but also a form of offering food to ants and small insects — representing coexistence and compassion for all living beings.
In modern times, however, plastic lamps and chemical-based rangoli colors have taken over, diluting the ecological wisdom behind these Diwali customs.
5. Offering Naivedya Before the First Meal
Earlier, before partaking in the Diwali feast, families would prepare a plate of Naivedya — a sacred food offering — for deities and ancestors. This plate included homemade sweets, puffed rice, jaggery, and fruits.
Hidden Meaning
This practice symbolized gratitude — acknowledging the divine for sustenance and paying homage to ancestors whose blessings were believed to bring prosperity. It was also a moment of reflection and humility before indulgence. Sadly, this custom is now often replaced by lavish dining and social gatherings without spiritual mindfulness.
6. Gambling Night: A Misunderstood Custom
One of the lesser-known Diwali customs involves playing cards or dice on Diwali night. The origin of this custom dates back to the legend of Goddess Parvati playing dice with Lord Shiva. It is believed that whoever gambles on Diwali night will prosper throughout the year.
Hidden Meaning
While it appears to be a trivial pastime, the custom actually symbolizes fate, chance, and acceptance of life’s unpredictability. It was never meant for greed but as a reminder that fortune is cyclical — one must enjoy success with humility and face loss with grace.
7. The Lamps for the Departed Souls
Another forgotten tradition is lighting an extra diya at the entrance or backyard of the house, dedicated to the souls of ancestors (Pitris). Known as Yama Deepam, this diya was lit on the first day of Diwali, called Naraka Chaturdashi.
Hidden Meaning
The lamp was meant to guide the souls of the departed towards peace and light. It also reflected the Indian belief in eternal life and remembrance of one’s lineage. This deeply emotional and philosophical ritual connected families with their roots and instilled respect for those who came before.
8. The Art of Sharing: Bhikshadanam and Dana
In ancient villages, there was a practice where the wealthy distributed food, grains, or sweets to the poor and travelers during Diwali week. Known as Bhikshadanam, it was considered the most sacred act of the festival.
Hidden Meaning
This Diwali custom emphasized the idea of community prosperity — that wealth is not meaningful if not shared. The act of giving (Dana) cleansed the giver of greed and ensured equality. Sadly, in modern times, gifting has become a commercial exchange rather than an act of compassion.
9. Cow and Calf Worship: Gopashtami and Govardhan Puja
The day after Diwali, known as Govardhan Puja, was traditionally dedicated to worshipping cows and bulls, who were considered the backbone of the agrarian economy. People washed, decorated, and fed them with special offerings.
Hidden Meaning
This custom represented gratitude to animals that sustain human life. The worship of Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna also symbolizes respect for nature’s power and balance. Today, urban celebrations often overlook these simple acts of harmony with nature.
10. The New Account Books: A Ritual of Fresh Beginnings
For traders and businessmen, Chopda Pujan or the worship of new account books was an essential part of Diwali. This ritual, observed on Laxmi Pujan day, was not only about wealth but also about honesty and ethical business conduct.
Hidden Meaning
The custom reflected discipline and devotion in one’s work. It reminded people that wealth, when earned ethically, becomes sacred. Today, while digital records have replaced paper ledgers, the moral essence behind this tradition deserves revival.
11. The Sound of Silence: Meditation Before the Lamps
Before lighting diyas, elders often meditated or sat in silence for a few moments to center their thoughts. The belief was that the light should be kindled in a calm and pure mind, as it represented the illumination of consciousness.
Hidden Meaning
The diya was seen as the inner flame — the Atma Jyoti or light of the soul. The silence before lighting it symbolized introspection, inviting divine energy into the home. In the age of loud crackers and social media distractions, this subtle Diwali custom reminds us of the true purpose of the festival — awakening inner light.
12. Diwali as a Time for Forgiveness
Among families and communities, Diwali was once considered the ideal time to forgive old grievances and mend relationships. People visited each other, exchanged sweets, and buried past conflicts.
Hidden Meaning
Forgiveness is a form of purification. Just as houses were cleaned of dust, hearts were cleansed of hatred. This custom aligned with the broader message of Diwali — letting go of darkness within. Unfortunately, this emotional and spiritual dimension has largely been forgotten in modern celebrations.
13. The Lamps in Water: Offering to Rivers
In several ancient towns, especially along the Ganga and Yamuna, people floated earthen diyas on riverbanks. This act symbolized gratitude to water — the life-giving element.
Hidden Meaning
Offering lamps to rivers was both an act of reverence and environmental awareness. It expressed the belief that all elements — earth, water, air, fire, and ether — are divine. This Diwali custom reflected India’s ecological philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world as one family.
14. The Hidden Message of Fireworks
While fireworks are often criticized for pollution, their original purpose was quite different. In earlier centuries, small natural fireworks made from bamboo, camphor, and other organic materials were used to create sound vibrations that were believed to ward off negative spirits.
Hidden Meaning
The sound symbolized energy and enthusiasm, a way to awaken nature after the monsoon and mark a new beginning. The intent was spiritual, not merely for entertainment.
Reclaiming the Forgotten Spirit of Diwali
Diwali has evolved through centuries — from the time of the Vedas to the present digital age. Yet, its underlying message remains timeless: the victory of light over darkness. By remembering and practicing these forgotten Diwali customs, we not only honor our ancestors but also reconnect with the environmental, ethical, and spiritual values that once made Diwali the most meaningful celebration of human life.
Revisiting these traditions can also restore balance in our modern lifestyle. Lighting an earthen lamp with gratitude, offering food to those in need, or simply sitting in silence before the first diya — each small act brings us closer to the essence of Diwali.
Conclusion: Lighting the Inner Diya
In today’s world, Diwali is often celebrated with grandeur, but its deeper message lies in simplicity. The true festival is not about glittering decorations or expensive gifts; it is about illuminating hearts with kindness, wisdom, and gratitude. Every forgotten Diwali custom tells a story — a story of balance between humans and nature, between wealth and humility, between celebration and reflection.
As we light our diyas this year, may we also rekindle the lamps of awareness within — remembering that the brightest light is the one that shines in the human soul.
