Celebrating the Festival of Lights: Diwali 2025

byPaytm Editorial TeamLast Updated: October 17, 2025

Diwali 2025, the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated on October 20. This five-day, from October 18th to October 22nd, celebration symbolizes light’s triumph over darkness and includes Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Families worship Goddess Lakshmi, decorate homes with diyas and rangoli, exchange gifts and sweets, and celebrate with joy across India and beyond. Each region adds unique traditions, making Diwali a truly diverse and unifying festival of hope and prosperity.

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Image Credit: Pixabay

Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” is one of the most vibrant and beloved festivals celebrated in India and across the world by millions of people. It’s a five-day spectacle that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

In 2025, the main day of Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) will be celebrated on Monday, October 20, 2025. On this day, homes will glow with countless diyas and lamps, families will come together to worship Goddess Lakshmi, and the night sky will dazzle with fireworks, symbolizing joy, prosperity, and new beginnings.

The Story Behind Diwali

Diwali is deeply rooted in timeless legends.

  • In North India, it marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed their king by lighting thousands of diyas, a tradition that continues even today.
  • In South India, Diwali celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, observed as Naraka Chaturdashi.

Together, these stories remind us of the ultimate triumph of righteousness and the power of light to banish darkness.

The Five Days of Diwali 2025

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Diwali Rituals and Festive Joy

  • Lighting Diyas & Lamps: Symbolizing the victory of light and the divine’s presence in every home.
  • Lakshmi Puja: The heart of Diwali, families seek blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and Lord Ganesha for wisdom.
  • Decorations: Homes glow with rangolis, flowers, and lights to welcome divine energy.
  • Sweets & Gifts: A time for sharing love through mithai, dry fruits, and thoughtful presents.
  • Fireworks & Festivities: A burst of joy and color that adds magic to the night sky (increasingly with eco-friendly choices).

Diwali Across India

  • North India: Celebrations honor Lord Rama’s homecoming with grand displays of lights and fireworks.
  • South India: Naraka Chaturdashi rituals highlight Lord Krishna’s victory, marked by early morning oil baths.
  • West India: Business communities in Gujarat and Maharashtra celebrate Diwali as the start of the new financial year with traditional account book rituals.
  • East India: In Bengal and Odisha, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, a night of worship dedicated to Goddess Kali.

As Diwali 2025 approaches, let us embrace its true essence: the light of hope, the warmth of family, and the promise of prosperity. May your homes shine as bright as the diyas and your hearts glow with happiness this festive season.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous, safe, and sparkling Diwali 2025!

Author

Paytm Editorial Team

The Paytm Editorial Team is a collaborative group of writers, editors, and industry experts. We're dedicated to bringing you the latest insights, news, and guides on digital payments, financial services, and the technology that's shaping India's economy. We offer easy-to-follow guides and insights to help you explore Paytm’s products, features, and services. Our goal is to provide clear, reliable, and helpful information to empower you on your financial journey.

FAQs

When is Diwali 2024?

Diwali 2024 will be celebrated on Thursday, November 1, but the festival spans five days from October 29 to November 3.

Why is Diwali called the Festival of Lights?

Diwali is called the Festival of Lights because people light diyas (oil lamps), candles, and fireworks to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

What are the five days of Diwali and their significance?

The five days of Diwali are: Day 1 (Dhanteras): Celebrates wealth and prosperity. Day 2 (Choti Diwali): Marks the victory over the demon Narakasura. Day 3 (Main Diwali): The day for Lakshmi Puja and lighting diyas. Day 4 (Govardhan Puja): Celebrates nature and the bond with animals. Day 5 (Bhai Dooj): Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.

Why do people worship Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali?

People worship Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali because she is the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Lakshmi Puja is performed to invite her blessings into homes and businesses.

What is the significance of lighting diyas during Diwali?

Lighting diyas symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, hope over despair, and good over evil. It is also believed to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into homes.

What kind of food is eaten during Diwali?

Diwali is famous for a wide variety of sweets and snacks, such as laddoos, barfis, chaklis, and kaju katli. Traditional foods are also prepared to celebrate the occasion.

How do people decorate their homes for Diwali?

Homes are decorated with rangoli (colorful patterns), flowers, lights, and diyas. People also clean their homes thoroughly to welcome good luck and prosperity.

Is Diwali celebrated in other countries?

Yes, Diwali is celebrated in many countries around the world, especially in regions with large Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities, such as Nepal, Mauritius, Fiji, Singapore, and the UK.

How can we celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali?

You can celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali by using eco-friendly fireworks, decorating with natural materials like flowers, avoiding plastic, and minimizing pollution by reducing the use of loud and smoky firecrackers.

What safety tips should kids follow during Diwali?

Kids should always burst fireworks under adult supervision, wear cotton clothes, light diyas and candles in safe places, and keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies.
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