Hindi Songs Related to Diwali or Deepawali

In Hindi cinema, Diwali has been portrayed through two distinct lenses: the exuberant joy of homecomings and the quiet pathos of those left in the shadows. Today, we are exploring Cassette Classics that feature the words "Diwali" or "Deepawali" released before 2010. These aren't just tracks; they are time capsules.

1. Aayi Abke Saal Diwali – Haqeeqat (1964)

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Music: Madan Mohan

Lyrics: Kaifi Azmi

While most Diwali songs are about lighting lamps, this masterpiece from the war epic Haqeeqat is about the darkness that war leaves behind.

The Context: Picturized on Priya Rajvansh, the song depicts the families of soldiers waiting at home. The lyrics are haunting: "Aayi abke saal Diwali, moonh par apne khoon male" (Diwali came this year with blood smeared on its face). In the cassette era, this was the defining "sad" Diwali song. It reminded listeners that while the city was lit up, many hearths remained cold. Madan Mohan’s somber composition and Lata ji’s soulful rendition made this a staple on "Patriotic & Sad" compilation tapes.

2. Deep Diwali Ke Jhoote – Jugnu (1973)

Singer: Kishore Kumar

Music: S.D. Burman

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

If you want to experience the sheer innocence of the festival, this is the track. It’s a quintessential "children's song" that became a massive hit on the Jugnu soundtrack.

The Context: Dharmendra, playing the charismatic protagonist, sings this to a group of orphans. The song uses the metaphor of "jhoote deep" (false lamps) to talk about the transient nature of materials vs. the eternal light of the soul. S.D. Burman used a playful, rhythmic arrangement that captured the excitement of kids lighting crackers. On a 90-minute cassette, this was usually the "Side A" highlight that parents would play to get the kids in a festive mood.

3. Kaise Diwali Manaye Hum Lala – Paigham (1959)

Singer: Mohammed Rafi

Music: C. Ramchandra

Lyrics: Kavi Pradeep

This song is a sharp piece of social commentary disguised as a catchy tune. It represents the voice of the working class during the festivities.

The Context: Picturized on the legendary comedian Johnny Walker, the song highlights the irony of a poor man trying to celebrate a festival of wealth. Johnny Walker’s antics and Rafi Sahab’s energetic "hiccups" and vocal modulations made it a fun yet thought-provoking listen. In the 60s and 70s, this song was frequently played on the radio and remained a favorite for those who appreciated Kavi Pradeep’s lyrical depth regarding the "Aam Aadmi" (common man).

4. Mele Hain Chiragon Ke – Nazrana (1961)

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Music: Ravi

Lyrics: Rajendra Krishan

This is a beautiful, rhythmic melody that captures the visual splendor of the festival. The full line is "Mele hain chiragon ke, rangeen yeh Diwali hai."

The Context: Featuring Raj Kapoor and Vyjayanthimala, the song is a celebratory dance number. Unlike the melancholic "Ek Woh Bhi Diwali Thi" from the same film, this track is full of hope and vibrancy. The musical arrangement by Ravi is light and airy, perfect for the medium-fidelity speakers of old tape decks. It’s a classic example of the "Golden Age" of Bollywood music where the melody was king.

5. Aayi Hai Diwali (Suno Ji Gharwaali) – Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya (2001)

Singers: Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu, Shaan, Sneha Pant, Ketki Dave

Music: Himesh Reshammiya

Lyrics: Sudhakar Sharma

As we moved into the late 90s and early 2000s, the "Cassette Era" was nearing its end, but it gave us one final, massive family anthem.

The Context: This song features an ensemble cast including Govinda and Juhi Chawla. It perfectly encapsulates the middle-class struggle of balancing "Aamdani" (income) with festive "Kharcha" (expenses). It’s a high-energy track with a heavy Gujarati influence (Dandiya beats). This was one of the last few Diwali hits that people bought on physical cassettes before the digital revolution took over. It remains the most played song at Diwali community parties even today.

6. Lakhon Tare Aasman Mein – Hariyali Aur Rasta (1962)

Singers: Mukesh & Lata Mangeshkar

Music: Shankar-Jaikishan

Lyrics: Shailendra

While not entirely about Diwali, the core hook of the song is "Dekhke duniya ki Diwali, dil mera chup-chaap jala" (Seeing the world's Diwali, my heart burned silently).

The Context: This is one of the most famous duets of the Mukesh-Lata duo. It uses the festival as a backdrop for heartbreak. The "Diwali" here is a metaphor for the happiness of others which the protagonist cannot share. The combination of Mukesh’s "Dard-bhari" (painful) voice and the lush orchestration by Shankar-Jaikishan made this an evergreen classic on "Sentimental Hits" cassettes.