Diwali eCard

Diwali falls between mid-October and mid-November each year, set by the lunar calendar as the new moon night of the month of Kartik. The festival runs for five days, with the main day of celebration on the third.

The exact dates shift each year, so it is worth checking.

Open with "Happy Diwali" or "Shubh Deepavali" and add wishes for light, prosperity and health. Because Diwali marks the new year in parts of India, a wish for success in the year ahead is particularly appropriate.

For close family, add something specific about missing them or hoping to celebrate together.

The victory of light over darkness and good over evil, though the specific story differs by faith and region. Many Hindus mark Rama's return to Ayodhya; in western India it honours Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity; Sikhs mark Bandi Chhor Divas, and Jains the enlightenment of Mahavira.

The shared symbol across all of them is the lamp.

Yes. Wishing a friend, colleague or neighbour a happy Diwali is a warm and welcome gesture, and you do not need to observe the festival to acknowledge that it matters to someone.

Keep the message straightforward and sincere rather than reaching for religious phrasing you are not confident with.

Yes, and it is increasingly common in workplaces with international teams. Keep it brief and professional: a Diwali greeting, a wish for prosperity in the year ahead, and thanks for their work.

Sending it to the individuals who celebrate, rather than to the whole company, makes it feel considered rather than automated.

Send it on the main day of Diwali or one or two days before. The main celebration is the third day of the five, so arriving just before means it is read while preparations are under way.

There is no postage to plan around, so the same morning works perfectly well.