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
| Day | Date (2025) | Festival | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Saturday, October 18 | Dhanteras | The festival begins with prayers for wealth and prosperity. People buy gold, silver, and utensils, and homes are cleaned and decorated. |
| Day 2 | Sunday, October 19 | Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) | Marks Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. Families take ritual oil baths, cleanse their homes, and prepare for Diwali night. |
| Day 3 | Monday, October 20 | Lakshmi Puja (Main Day of Diwali) | The most auspicious day. Families worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, light diyas, create rangolis, and celebrate with sweets, gifts, and fireworks. |
| Day 4 | Tuesday, October 21 | Govardhan Puja | Celebrates Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill. Devotees prepare Annakut (a mountain of food) as an offering of gratitude. |
| Day 5 | Wednesday, October 22 | Bhai Dooj | Honors the sacred bond between brothers and sisters with rituals, blessings, and heartfelt prayers. |
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
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.
