An important festival that is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists, we can trace the history of Diwali back to ancient India.

Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali celebrates the light of knowledge which symbolises the victory of good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. During Diwali, it’s traditional for people to illuminate their homes with colourful lamps.

Different religions celebrate Diwali slightly differently. For example, Hindus honour Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, prosperity, and beauty during Diwali.

 

When is Diwali 2024?

 

 

In 2024, the Diwali celebrations will start on Thursday 31st October. The Diwali celebrations last five days with the third day being the main event.

 

What to gift for Diwali?

There are a number of popular gifts to give during Diwali, such as traditional sweets, decorative diyas, festive home décor, and luxury gift hampers. Read on to discover our top picks for Diwali gift ideas!

Is it customary to give gifts for Diwali?

Yes. Exchanging gifts and sweets is an important way of expressing love and gratitude, as well as giving thanks to the deities.

Do You Give Money on Diwali?

Traditionally, people washed money in milk and water on Diwali to please the Gods. These days, giving monetary gifts is seen as a good way of honouring Lakshmi. Sometimes family members give their loved ones gifts of money in a red envelope with the image of Ganesh on it.

The first day of Diwali is Dhanteras, the day of fortune, and is dedicated solely to the worship of Lakshmi. Gold plays an important part in the mythology surrounding Dhanteras. Legends say that King Hima was saved from a deadly snake bite by his young bride, who diverted the snake’s attention with piles of gold coins and jewellery at the entrances to their room. For this reason, Dhanteras is considered very auspicious, and people exchange precious gifts of gold, silver, and gemstones, as well as new clothes and utensils.

 

Diwali Gift Hamper

 

 

Diwali is a time for feasting, so Diwali gift baskets filled with special treats are certain to be welcomed. Be sure to check our prohibited items before you pack your hamper to avoid any delays.

How to make Diwali gift hampers

Diwali gift baskets are a great way to deliver a personal gift to your loved ones. Start a new Diwali gift tradition by filling a hamper with loads of edible treats and keepsakes that will make their celebration extra special. Depending on what box you choose, you’ll be able to keep your postage costs down too.

Our guide on how to post a hamperwill tell you everything you need to know about making your own gift baskets filled with Diwali gift ideas.

 

Sweets

During Diwali, many mithai (sweet) boxes will be exchanged by loved ones to celebrate the festival and show each other how much they care. Ladoo (round balls made with flours, nuts, and seeds) are the most traditional sweets. These tasty treats were once served at temples because they were affordable and convenient. Barfi (milk fudge) is also popular and is sometimes topped with edible gold leaf to make it even more special.

We can help you find the cheapest confectionary courier services to help you get your sweet treats to your loved ones in time for the Diwali celebrations. We’ve also got some great

 

Home Décor

The perfect time to clean and declutter your home, another Diwali gift tradition is to give pieces of art to make the home beautiful. At Diwali, Rangoli patterns (bright symmetrical designs made from ground rice, powders, flowers, and lights) decorate almost every house to invite Lakshmi to visit and bless the home with wealth and prosperity. If you’ve got a large parcel to send, get a quote for our top large parcel services!

 

Jewellery

Jewellery is another auspicious purchase during Diwali. This is because of the story of Rama, Sita, and Ravana, the demon king. When Ravana kidnapped Sita, she left a trail of jewellery for Rama to follow, allowing him to rescue her. Their return to their kingdom was lit by little lamps outside the houses, beginning the tradition of Diwali.

If you want help finding a jewellery courier, we can help you out. You can also read our jewellery shipping advice for loads of top tips on the best ways to post your Diwali jewellery gifts.

 

Send a Diwali Gift with P2G

Wherever you’re sending your Diwali gift, you can get a quote for the cheapest parcel delivery with us. Our prices start from just £2.58 exc VAT, and our Lowest Price Guarantee means that if you find it cheaper anywhere else, we’ll match the price.

If you’re sending your Diwali gift to family or friends in India, then we can help you with that too. With Parcel2Go, postage to India starts from just £10.55 exc VAT with parcel tracking included. Read our guide to find out all you need to know about how to ship to India.