Diwali 2025, the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and among Indian communities worldwide, from October 18 to October 22. It is a time that honors the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance, bringing families together in joyous celebration and spiritual renewal.
The festival spans five days, each with unique rituals and significance. The festivities commence on October 18 with Dhanteras, a day devoted to invoking wealth and prosperity, where people clean their homes and buy precious metals like gold and silver. This is followed by Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali on October 19, marking Lord Krishna’s triumph over the demon Narakasura, with ritual oil baths and early celebrations.
The main day of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, falls on October 20, when families worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and abundance, along with Lord Ganesha. Homes and businesses are illuminated with countless diyas (oil lamps), symbolizing dispelling darkness and inviting divine blessings. The evening is filled with prayers, rangoli decorations, sweets, gifts, and fireworks that light up the sky with festive joy.
October 21 brings Govardhan Puja or Annakut, honoring Lord Krishna’s protection of his devotees by lifting the Govardhan Hill. Devotees prepare a grand feast of various food offerings as a gesture of gratitude. The celebrations conclude on October 22 with Bhai Dooj, a heartfelt day dedicated to the sibling bond, where sisters apply tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, offer prayers, and exchange gifts.
Diwali’s cultural and spiritual essence lies in its timeless stories—whether it is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana in North India or Lord Krishna’s victory in South India. Beyond rituals and festivities, Diwali inspires introspection, strengthening family ties, and embracing hope and new beginnings.
For 2025, the auspicious Lakshmi Puja muhurat is from 6:59 PM to 8:32 PM IST on October 20, making it the peak spiritual moment of the festival for worship and offerings.
The festival’s vibrant celebrations, spiritual significance, and cultural richness make Diwali a unique occasion that blends tradition with joy and community togetherness, lighting up lives everywhere.
