Celebrate Diwali with cycling

As we enter the colder, darker months of winter we all need a little light in our lives. Diwali – the Hindu festival of lights – takes place every year in early autumn. This annual celebration traditionally commemorates the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and hope over despair.

Variations of Diwali are celebrated by adherents of other faiths. These include Jains, Sikhs and Newar Buddhists.

When is Diwali?

The dates in the Western calendar change each year, with the main festival day timed to coincide with the new moon, or amāvasyā, on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartika, which is said to be the darkest night of the year. Festivities begin two days before this and carry on for the two days after.

In 2024, Diwali starts today, 29 October. The main festival day falls on 31 October, and festivities conclude on 2 November. Each of the five days have their own name and significance.

Calendar of events

• 29 October: Dhanteras
• 30 October: Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi)
• 31October: Diwali and Lakshmi Puja
• 2 November: Govardhan Puja
• 3 November: Bhai Dooj

How is it celebrated?

The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit Deepavali, which means row of lights. Celebrants light up their homes, temples and workspaces with small oil lamps called diyas, candles and lanterns. Homes are decorated with rangoli designs, colourful patterns created with powders, petals, sands and small stones, and jhalars, colourful strips of fabric.

Friends and family come together for feasts and to attend prayer services. Fireworks are also a large part of the festivities, with many towns and cities organising public celebrations.

I’m Hindu, so nature is a goddess for us. That’s how I feel connected to everything

Madhavi Latha Apparala, volunteer ride leader

Nature is very important in Hindu culture, as Telugu Association of Scotland volunteer ride leader Madhavi Latha Apparala explains: “Cycling allows me to reconnect with nature. I’m Hindu, so nature is a goddess for us. That’s how I feel connected to everything; I don’t feel lonely.”

Get involved

Getting out in nature is one way to celebrate Diwali, and you could mark the festival with your own bike ride, whether that’s solo or with friends or family. Bring your own light by adding some battery-operated fairy lights to your bike to light up the night sky and bring a bit of joy to the world.

You can use our groups listings to find out if any groups or clubs local to you are organising a ride that you could join.

Traditionally, mithai, or sweets, are eaten for Diwali. You could try your hand at making your own or buy some from a local shop. This is a period of community bonding so share with friends and family – or organise a group ride where you can indulge in a sweet treat along the way.

You could create your own rangoli with a bit of mindful colouring using our stencils (below) created from an old disk brake. You can make your own stencils but be careful of sharp edges. These elaborate and colourful geometric designs are created to feel strength and generosity, as well as bring good luck.

The first day, known as Dhanteras, which is today, is often marked by thoroughly cleaning the home, so today is the time to give your bike a good wash.

Feast and family

The final two days of Diwali are dedicated to feasting and celebrating faith and family connections. Govardhan Puja, on 1 November, is an offering of gratitude for Krishna's beneficence, while Bhaj Dhuj celebrates the love between brother and sister.

You could mark the fourth and fifth days of Diwali with a bike ride with friends and family, with a celebratory feast at the end. Gifts are also traditionally given on these days, so you could organise a ‘secret Diwali’ and encourage ride participants to give each other a small present. Don’t forget some sweets and other treats to make it really special!

Do good

If you want to perform a little good for the world of cycling, why not share our advice for cycling in autumn and winter and inspire any budding cyclists out there to keep going over the dark months ahead?

But, however you celebrate, we’d like to wish everyone a very Happy Diwali!