Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the festival of lights celebrated with joy, devotion, and togetherness.
If you're wondering what activities, traditions or rituals to follow, here is a complete list of the
best things to do on Diwali to make your celebration meaningful and memorable.
1. Clean and Decorate Your Home
Diwali preparation begins with cleaning and decorating the house. A clean space invites positivity and prosperity.
- Declutter and deep clean your home
- Hang decorative lights, lanterns, and torans
- Add fresh flowers, candles, and festive décor items
2. Make Beautiful Rangoli Designs
Rangoli symbolizes good luck and is placed at the entrance to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
- Use colors, flowers, rice flour, or diyas
- Create traditional or modern geometric patterns
- Place lamps around the rangoli for added beauty
3. Light Diyas and Candles
Lighting diyas is the main tradition of Diwali, representing the victory of light over darkness.
- Use clay diyas for a traditional touch
- Place diyas at doors, windows, balconies, and puja areas
- Use LED candles for safe indoor decoration
4. Perform Lakshmi Puja
On Diwali evening, performing Lakshmi Puja is considered highly auspicious.
- Set up a clean puja space
- Place idols or photos of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi
- Light incense sticks, offer sweets, flowers, kumkum, and haldi
- Chant Lakshmi mantras or recite aarti
5. Cook and Share Delicious Sweets
Food is an essential part of Diwali celebrations. Make or buy sweets and snacks to share with family and friends.
- Ladoo, barfi, halwa, kheer, and gulab jamun
- Namak pare, chakli, murukku and mixture
- Try DIY sweets or traditional family recipes
6. Exchange Gifts and Greetings
Diwali is the best time to strengthen relationships through gifts and wishes.
- Give sweets, dry fruits, hampers or home décor items
- Send personalized Diwali greeting cards
- Share digital wishes on WhatsApp and social media
7. Wear New and Traditional Clothes
Dressing up in new or ethnic wear adds joy to the festival atmosphere.
- Traditional outfits like saree, lehenga, kurta, or sherwani
- Accessorize with festive jewellery
- Take family photos to capture memories
8. Spend Quality Time with Family
The festival is incomplete without family bonding.
- Play traditional games such as cards or board games
- Plan a family dinner or potluck
- Watch Diwali-themed movies together
9. Donate and Help the Needy
One of the most meaningful things to do on Diwali is to share your blessings.
- Donate clothes, food, or money to charities
- Help underprivileged families celebrate Diwali
- Feed stray animals or provide shelters during firecrackers
10. Create Eco-Friendly Celebrations
Celebrate responsibly by choosing eco-friendly practices.
- Use natural diyas instead of plastic lights
- Avoid harmful firecrackers
- Switch to LED lights to save energy
- Reuse decorations for next year
11. Burst Firecrackers Safely (Optional)
If you choose to burst crackers, ensure safety and follow eco-friendly choices.
- Use low-noise green crackers
- Keep water and first-aid ready
- Maintain distance and supervise kids
12. Visit Friends and Relatives
Diwali is about reconnecting with loved ones.
- Plan short home visits
- Share sweets and warm wishes
- Strengthen personal and family relationships
13. Decorate the Entrance with Torans
Hanging mango leaf torans or artificial garlands symbolizes prosperity and positivity.
14. Play Festive Music and Bhajans
Music adds energy to celebrations.
- Play bhajans, aartis, or devotional songs
- Create a Diwali playlist with Bollywood festive tracks
15. Set Diwali Resolutions
Diwali is seen as a time for new beginnings. Set goals for health, career, relationships, and personal growth.
Conclusion
Diwali is a festival of light, prosperity, and togetherness. By following these
Things to Do on Diwali, you can celebrate the festival in a meaningful, joyful, and memorable way.
Whether you focus on rituals, decorations, food, or family time, Diwali brings happiness and hope to everyone.
