Diwali, also known as Deepavali, the much-awaited Festival of Lights, will be celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in 2025. This year, the main day of Diwali falls on Monday, 20th October 2025, marking the auspicious occasion when devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha to invite wealth, prosperity, and happiness into their homes.
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Diwali is observed on the Amavasya (new moon) day of the Kartik month. In 2025, the Amavasya tithi (new moon phase) begins at 3:44 AM on 20th October and ends at 5:54 PM on 21st October, which has caused some regional variations in celebration dates across India. Generally, most regions will celebrate Diwali on 20th October, while some places with an earlier sunset might observe it on the 21st.
Diwali is not just a one-day festival but a series of celebrations spread over five days, each day carrying unique significance:
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Dhanteras (October 18, Saturday): The festival begins with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to wealth and prosperity, when people clean their homes and buy precious metals and utensils as a sign of good luck.
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Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali (October 19, Sunday): The second day symbolizes the victory of good over evil with rituals like the holy oil bath and lighting earthen lamps.
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Lakshmi Puja or Main Diwali (October 20, Monday): The most important day when Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped. Homes are illuminated with diyas and lights, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
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Govardhan Puja / Annakut (October 21, Tuesday): This day celebrates the lifting of Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna, with grand food offerings and prayers.
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Bhai Dooj or Yama Dwitiya (October 22, Wednesday): Celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters with rituals, gifts, and prayers for the well-being of siblings.
Diwali is a festival of joy, unity, and spiritual renewal observed by millions across India and worldwide. It fills homes with lights, sweets, and the warmth of togetherness, recalling ancient legends that celebrate the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.
