Dīpāvalī is celebrated with lamps, sweets, new clothes, family gatherings and worship. But the Purāṇas preserve a much more detailed picture of how this festival was traditionally observed.
The Skanda Purāṇa, in its Vaiṣṇava-khaṇḍa, Kārttikamāsa-māhātmya, Chapter 9, describes the observances of Narakacaturdaśī and Dīpāvalī Amāvāsyā. The Bhaviṣyottara Purāṇa also describes the Amāvāsyā observances in its account of the festival.
Let us explore eight of these practices, with the relevant Sanskrit verses and their meanings.
1. Begin with Abhyaṅga Snāna
One of the traditional observances associated with Dīpāvalī is Abhyaṅga Snāna, the ritual bath preceded by an oil massage.
The Skanda Purāṇa describes this practice on Narakacaturdaśī, the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight.
Skanda Purāṇa 2.4.9.29
तथा कृष्णचतुर्दश्यामाश्विनेऽर्कोदये सुराः ।
यामिन्याः पश्चिमे यामे तैलाभ्यंगो विशिष्यते ॥
tathā kṛṣṇacaturdaśyām āśvine 'rkodaye surāḥ |
yāminyāḥ paścime yāme tailābhyaṅgo viśiṣyate ||
On the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Āśvina, at sunrise, the oil bath is especially prescribed. It is to be performed during the last part of the night.
Skanda Purāṇa 2.4.9.32
तैले लक्ष्मीर्जले गंगा दीपावल्याश्चतुर्दशीम् ।
प्रातःस्नानं हि यः कुर्याद्यमलोकं न पश्यति ॥
taile lakṣmīr jale gaṅgā dīpāvalyāś caturdaśīm |
prātaḥsnānaṃ hi yaḥ kuryād yama-lokaṃ na paśyati ||
Lakṣmī resides in the oil and Gaṅgā in the water on the morning of Dīpāvalī Caturdaśī. One who takes the prescribed morning bath does not behold the world of Yama.
The deeper significance
The ritual bath is not merely about physical cleanliness. It can also remind us of inner purification. Just as we cleanse the body, we should make an effort to cleanse the mind of anger, jealousy, selfishness and other negative tendencies.
Note: This oil bath passage concerns Narakacaturdaśī, not the morning of Amāvāsyā itself.
2. Remember the Devas and Pitṛs
Dīpāvalī Amāvāsyā is also a day to express gratitude to the Devas and our ancestors, the Pitṛs.
The Skanda Purāṇa specifically prescribes worship of the Devas and the performance of Pārvaṇa Śrāddha.
Skanda Purāṇa 2.4.9.72
ततः प्रभातसमये त्वमायां तु मुनीश्वराः ।
स्नात्वा देवान्पितॄन्भक्त्या संपूज्याथ प्रणम्य च ॥
tataḥ prabhāta-samaye tv amāyāṃ tu munīśvarāḥ |
snātvā devān pitṝn bhaktyā sampūjyātha praṇamya ca ||
O great sages, on the morning of Amāvāsyā, one should bathe, worship the Devas and the Pitṛs with devotion, and offer salutations to them.
Skanda Purāṇa 2.4.9.73
कृत्वा तु पार्वणश्राद्धं दधिक्षीरघृतादिभिः ।
दिवा तत्र न भोक्तव्यमृते बालातुराज्जनात् ॥
kṛtvā tu pārvaṇa-śrāddhaṃ dadhi-kṣīra-ghṛtādibhiḥ |
divā tatra na bhoktavyam ṛte bālāturājanāt ||
One should perform Pārvaṇa Śrāddha with offerings such as curd, milk and ghee. One should not eat during the daytime, except in the case of children and those who are unwell.
The deeper significance
We often think of ourselves as independent individuals. But our lives are shaped by countless contributions: our ancestors, parents, teachers, society and the natural world.
Remembering the Devas and Pitṛs cultivates humility and gratitude. It reminds us that we are part of a much larger inheritance.
3. Observe a Fast
Yes, the traditional observances of Dīpāvalī also include fasting!
Notice that the instruction to abstain from daytime meals appears in the very same verse that describes Pārvaṇa Śrāddha.
Skanda Purāṇa 2.4.9.73
कृत्वा तु पार्वणश्राद्धं दधिक्षीरघृतादिभिः ।
दिवा तत्र न भोक्तव्यमृते बालातुराज्जनात् ॥
kṛtvā tu pārvaṇa-śrāddhaṃ dadhi-kṣīra-ghṛtādibhiḥ |
divā tatra na bhoktavyam ṛte bālāturājanāt ||
After performing Pārvaṇa Śrāddha with curd, milk, ghee and other offerings, one should not eat during the daytime, except in the case of children and those who are unwell.
The deeper significance
Fasting is an opportunity to practise discipline and restraint. It is not meant to be an exercise in discomfort.
When we consciously regulate our habits and senses, we create space for prayer, reflection and worship.
The idea is to prepare the body and mind for the evening's worship.
4. Feed Others
A festival becomes more meaningful when its joy is shared.
The Skanda Purāṇa specifically mentions feeding Brāhmaṇas and also feeding those who are hungry.
Skanda Purāṇa 2.4.9.94
सर्वं पुरमलंकृत्य प्रदोषे तदनन्तरम् ।
ब्राह्मणान्भोजयित्वादौ संभोज्य च बुभुक्षितान् ॥
sarvaṃ puram alaṅkṛtya pradoṣe tad-anantaram |
brāhmaṇān bhojayitvā 'dau sambhojya ca bubhukṣitān ||
After decorating the entire city, at twilight one should first feed the Brāhmaṇas and then also feed those who are hungry.
The deeper significance
The verse makes an important point: feeding the hungry is part of the festival observance.
We can carry this spirit into our own lives by sharing food with someone in need, supporting those who are less fortunate, or ensuring that someone around us does not go hungry.
Prosperity is not meant to be enjoyed selfishly. The joy of celebration grows when we make others happy too.
5. Light Up Every Corner!
Lighting lamps is among the most familiar features of Dīpāvalī. But the Skanda Purāṇa describes something particularly interesting: lamps are not restricted to the home.
Skanda Purāṇa 2.4.9.91
दीपदानं ततः कुर्यात्प्रदोषे च तथोल्मुकम् ।
भ्रामयेत्स्वस्य शिरसि सर्वारिष्टनिवारणम् ॥
dīpa-dānaṃ tataḥ kuryāt pradoṣe ca tatholmukam |
bhrāmayet svasya śirasi sarvāriṣṭa-nivāraṇam ||
One should then offer lamps at twilight. One should also circle a burning brand over one's own head, for the removal of misfortune.
Skanda Purāṇa 2.4.9.92
दीपवृक्षास्तथा कार्याः शक्त्या देवगृहादिषु ।
चतुष्पथे श्मशाने च नदीपर्वतवेश्मसु ॥
dīpa-vṛkṣās tathā kāryāḥ śaktyā deva-gṛhādiṣu |
catuṣpathe śmaśāne ca nadī-parvata-veśmasu ||
According to one's capacity, arrangements of many lamps should be made at temples and other sacred places, at crossroads, cremation grounds, rivers, mountains and dwellings.
Skanda Purāṇa 2.4.9.93
वृक्षमूलेषु गोष्ठेषु चत्वरेषु गृहेषु च ।
वस्त्रैः पुष्पैः शोभितव्या राजमार्गस्य भूमयः ॥
vṛkṣa-mūleṣu goṣṭheṣu catvareṣu gṛheṣu ca |
vastraiḥ puṣpaiḥ śobhitavyā rāja-mārgasya bhūmayaḥ ||
The roots of trees, cow shelters, public squares and homes should be illuminated and adorned. The grounds along the royal roads should be decorated with cloth and flowers.
The deeper significance
The instruction is wonderfully expansive. The celebration of light extends beyond the boundaries of one's home.
A lamp lit in a temple is beautiful. A lamp that makes a dark pathway safer is beautiful too.
Let the light of Dīpāvalī reach every corner of our surroundings.
6. Celebrate with Music, Dance and Joy
Our Purāṇas certainly know how to celebrate!
The Skanda Purāṇa describes the joy and festivities associated with Bali's kingdom during this period.
Skanda Purāṇa 2.4.9.62–64
बलिराज्यं समासाद्य यक्षगंधर्वकिन्नराः ।
औषध्यश्च पिशाचाश्च मंत्राश्च मणयस्तथा ॥
सर्व एव प्रहृष्यंति नृत्यंति च निशामुखे ।
तत्तन्मंत्राश्च सिद्ध्यंति बलिराज्ये न संशयः ॥
बलिराज्यं समासाद्य यथा लोकाः सुहर्षिताः ।
तथा तद्दिनमध्ये तु लोकाः स्युर्हर्षिता भृशम् ॥
balirājyaṃ samāsādya yakṣa-gandharva-kinnarāḥ |
auṣadhyaś ca piśācāś ca mantrāś ca maṇayas tathā ||
sarva eva prahṛṣyanti nṛtyanti ca niśā-mukhe |
tat-tan-mantrāś ca siddhyanti balirājye na saṃśayaḥ ||
balirājyaṃ samāsādya yathā lokāḥ suharṣitāḥ |
tathā tad-dinamadhye tu lokāḥ syur harṣitā bhṛśam ||
During Bali's reign, Yakṣas, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, medicinal herbs, Piśācas, mantras and precious stones all become joyful.
They rejoice and dance at the beginning of the night. The respective mantras also attain their fulfilment during Bali's reign.
Just as people are joyful during Bali's reign, so too should people be exceedingly joyful during these days.
The Bhaviṣyottara Purāṇa
The account of Dīpāvalī in the Bhaviṣyottara Purāṇa, Āśvina Amāvāsyā, verses 14–29, also describes a lively celebration.
The English account records these observances:
Dance and music in homes.
Exchange of tāmbūla, or betel offerings.
Anointing the body with saffron.
Wearing beautiful silken garments.
Adorning oneself with gold and jewels.
The deeper significance
Dīpāvalī is not only a time for solemn worship. It is also a celebration of beauty, joy and togetherness.
There is room for devotion and festivity, prayer and music, reflection and celebration.
A truly joyful festival brings people together.
7. Drive Away Alakṣmī!
Here is one of the more unusual traditions described in the Skanda Purāṇa.
It describes a midnight observance in which women make sounds with winnowing baskets and drums to drive Alakṣmī, the personification of misfortune, away from their homes.
Skanda Purāṇa 2.4.9.100
एवं गते निशीथे च जने निद्रार्द्धलोचने ।
एवं नगरनारीभिः शूर्पडिण्डिमवादनैः ।
निष्कास्यते प्रदृष्टाभिरलक्ष्मीः स्वगृहाङ्गणात् ॥
evaṃ gate niśīthe ca jane nidrārdha-locane |
evaṃ nagara-nārībhiḥ śūrpa-ḍiṇḍima-vādanaiḥ |
niṣkāsyate prahṛṣṭābhir alakṣmīḥ sva-gṛhāṅgaṇāt ||
When midnight has passed and people are half-asleep, the women of the city, joyfully making sounds with winnowing baskets and drums, drive Alakṣmī out of their household courtyards.
The deeper significance
The ritual is intended to remove misfortune and welcome auspiciousness into the home.
We can also reflect on what we should drive out of our own lives: negativity, quarrels, dishonesty, laziness and selfishness.
Let us make room for auspicious thoughts, noble actions and harmony.
8. Worship Mother Lakṣmī
As evening sets in, Dīpāvalī turns towards the worship of Mother Lakṣmī, the Goddess of prosperity and abundance.
The Skanda Purāṇa describes the preparation of a beautiful altar, the decoration of the worship space, the worship of Lakṣmī and the offering of food.
Skanda Purāṇa 2.4.9.74
ततः प्रदोषसमये पूजयेदिन्दिरां शुभाम् ।
कुर्यान्नानाविधैर्वस्त्रैः स्वच्छं लक्ष्म्याश्च मण्डपम् ॥
tataḥ pradoṣa-samaye pūjayed indirāṃ śubhām |
kuryān nānā-vidhair vastraiḥ svacchaṃ lakṣmyāś ca maṇḍapam ||
Thereafter, at twilight, one should worship the auspicious Indirā (Lakṣmī). One should prepare a clean pavilion for Lakṣmī and decorate it with various kinds of cloth.
Skanda Purāṇa 2.4.9.75
नानापुष्पैः पल्लवैश्च चित्रैश्चापि विचित्रितम् ।
तत्र संपूजयेल्लक्ष्मीं देवान्श्चापि प्रपूजयेत् ॥
nānā-puṣpaiḥ pallavaiś ca citraiś cāpi vicitritam |
tatra sampūjayel lakṣmīṃ devāṃś cāpi prapūjayet ||
The pavilion should be decorated with various flowers, fresh leaves and beautiful designs. There one should worship Lakṣmī and also worship the Devas.
Skanda Purāṇa 2.4.9.85–86
पाचयित्वा गव्यदुग्धं सितां दत्त्वा यथोचिताम् ।
लड्डुकांस्तस्य कुर्वीत तांश्च लक्ष्म्यै समर्पयेत् ॥
अन्यच्चतुर्विधं भक्ष्यं दद्याच्छ्रीः प्रीयतामिति ॥
pācayitvā gavya-dugdhaṃ sitāṃ dattvā yathocitām |
laḍḍukāṃs tasya kurvīta tāṃś ca lakṣmyai samarpayet ||
anyac caturvidhaṃ bhakṣyaṃ dadyāc chriyaḥ prīyatām iti ||
Having cooked cow's milk and added an appropriate quantity of sugar, one should prepare laddus and offer them to Lakṣmī.
One should also offer four kinds of food, praying, “May Śrī be pleased.”
The deeper significance
What does prosperity truly mean?
Prosperity is not merely wealth or possessions. It is also the ability to use what we have wisely and generously.
Wealth becomes truly meaningful when it contributes to the welfare of others.
As we worship Mother Lakṣmī, may we also cultivate the wisdom to use prosperity for the good of all.
Rediscover the Deeper Meaning of Dīpāvalī
These eight observances reveal the richness of our festival traditions.
Dīpāvalī is a festival of:
Purification: Cleansing the body and mind.
Gratitude: Remembering the Devas, ancestors and those who have contributed to our lives.
Worship: Invoking divine grace through prayer and offerings.
Generosity: Sharing our food, resources and happiness.
Celebration: Bringing music, dance and joy into our homes.
Auspiciousness: Removing negativity and welcoming harmony and prosperity.
The Purāṇas preserve these practices not merely as rituals to be performed, but as opportunities to cultivate noble attitudes and values.
This Dīpāvalī, let us go beyond simply lighting lamps.
Let us light up our minds with knowledge, our hearts with gratitude, our homes with harmony and our communities with generosity.
May the light of Dīpāvalī shine in every heart!
