Diwali greetings: 13 phrases in Hindi, Gujarati and Tamil

13 phrases you will need

1. 01Neutral

   दिवाली की शुभकामनाएँ

   Say it like: dee-VAH-lee kee shubh-kaam-NAA-ayn

   Diwali kee shubhkamnayein — Happy Diwali (good wishes for Diwali).

   When to use: The everyday Hindi greeting, from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj. Fine for colleagues, neighbours and older people. Plain "Happy Diwali" in English is also welcome.
2. 02Formal

   शुभ दीपावली

   Say it like: shubh dee-paa-VAH-lee

   Shubh Deepavali — Auspicious Deepavali (Happy Diwali).

   When to use: A slightly more formal, written-card style. Good in a message or when greeting someone you do not know well.
3. 03Neutralcheck

   साल मुबारक

   Say it like: saal moo-BAA-rak

   Saal Mubarak — Happy New Year (Gujarati new year greeting).

   When to use: Said to Gujarati friends and colleagues on the Gujarati new year, the day after Diwali in the Gujarati calendar. Hindi speakers also understand it.
4. 04Formalcheck

   નૂતન વર્ષાભિનંદન

   Say it like: NOO-tun var-shaa-bhee-NUN-dun

   Nutan Varshabhinandan — Congratulations on the new year (Gujarati).

   When to use: The fuller Gujarati new year greeting, good when you want to sound a little more formal than "Saal Mubarak".
5. 05Neutral

   भाई दूज की शुभकामनाएँ

   Say it like: bhaa-ee DOOJ kee shubh-kaam-NAA-ayn

   Bhai Dooj kee shubhkamnayein — Happy Bhai Dooj (the day that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters).

   When to use: For a colleague or neighbour with a brother or sister. It is a family day, so keep it light and do not ask about their family situation.
6. 06Neutralcheck

   தீபாவளி வாழ்த்துகள்

   Say it like: dee-paa-VAH-lee VAAZH-thook-kal

   Deepavali vazhthukkal — Deepavali greetings (Tamil).

   When to use: For Tamil speakers. Tamil Nadu often marks Deepavali a day earlier than the north Indian Lakshmi Puja, so a greeting on the day you hear them mention it is right. The "zh" is a soft r-like sound; a close try is fine.
7. 07Neutral

   मिठाई के लिए शुक्रिया

   Say it like: mi-thaa-EE kay lee-ay shuk-ree-YAA

   Mithai ke liye shukriya — Thank you for the sweets.

   When to use: When a colleague or neighbour hands you a box of mithai (Indian sweets), which is a common Diwali gesture.
8. 08Neutral

   मिठाई बहुत स्वादिष्ट है

   Say it like: mi-thaa-EE ba-HOOT svaa-DISHT hai

   Mithai bahut swadisht hai — The sweets are really delicious.

   When to use: A kind thing to say after trying one. If you cannot eat something, "thank you, just a small piece" is also fine.
9. 09Formal

   बुलाने के लिए धन्यवाद

   Say it like: bu-LAA-nay kay lee-ay dhan-ya-VAAD

   Bulane ke liye dhanyavaad — Thank you for inviting me.

   When to use: When you are invited to a home or a team celebration. "Dhanyavaad" is a bit more formal than "shukriya".
10. 10Neutralcheck

    क्या मैं भी शामिल हो सकता हूँ?

    Say it like: kyaa main bhee shaa-MIL ho sak-TAA hoon

    Kya main bhi shaamil ho sakta hoon? — May I join in too? (say "sakti" instead of "sakta" if you are a woman).

    When to use: When people are lighting diyas, sharing food or playing cards and you would like to take part. Say it with a smile and accept a no easily.
11. 11Neutralcheck

    मैं क्या ला सकता हूँ?

    Say it like: main kyaa laa sak-TAA hoon

    Main kya la sakta hoon? — What can I bring? ("sakti" for a woman).

    When to use: After an invitation. A box of sweets, fruit or flowers is usually welcome; ask rather than guess about food, since many hosts are vegetarian.
12. 12Neutral

    क्या मैं जूते यहाँ उतार दूँ?

    Say it like: kyaa main joo-TAY ya-HAAN u-TAAR doon

    Kya main joote yahaan utaar doon? — Shall I take my shoes off here?

    When to use: At the door of a home. Many hosts like shoes off, but follow what they do.
13. 13Neutralcheck

    इसे क्या कहते हैं?

    Say it like: i-SAY kyaa kay-TAY hain

    Ise kya kehte hain? — What is this called?

    When to use: Pointing at a sweet, a snack or a decoration. People usually enjoy explaining.

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