Which Sanskrit word in Deepawali means 'light'?

Which Sanskrit word in Deepawali means “light”? The answer is dīpa.

Deepawali combines the Sanskrit words dīpa, meaning “lamp” or “light,” and āvali, meaning a row, line, or series. The full name therefore refers to a row of lights, reflecting the festival’s most recognizable practice: lighting oil lamps, or diyas, around homes, temples, courtyards, and streets.

Dīpa can refer specifically to a lamp rather than to light as an abstract physical phenomenon. This is why translations may say “lamp,” “light,” or “illumination.” The related word diya, widely used in modern Indian languages, also refers to the small earthen lamp traditionally fueled by oil or ghee.

The festival’s symbolism extends beyond decoration. Diwali lights are commonly associated with light overcoming darkness, good overcoming evil, and knowledge overcoming ignorance. Regional traditions connect the festival with different stories, including Rama’s return to Ayodhya and Lakshmi’s worship, but the linguistic meaning of Deepawali remains the same.