Diwali is one of the most anticipated and vivacious festivals celebrated in India, and by Indian communities worldwide. It is also considered the biggest Hindu festival, and lights up homes and hearts with diyas, colourful rangoli, joy, and a sense of togetherness. The significance of Diwali surpasses just lighting lamps, it represents the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Happy Diwali 2025
Why is Diwali celebrated?
People celebrate Diwali to mark the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. The biggest Hindu festival honours Lord Rama’s return to his kingdom after defeating the demon king Ravana. When Rama came back to Ayodhya, people lit lamps and decorated their homes, to welcome him and celebrate his victory.
Diwali also celebrates the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. People believe that by lighting lamps and cleaning their homes during Diwali, Lakshmi will visit and bless them with good fortune for the year ahead.
Each year, as the festive season approaches, people prepare to welcome prosperity, happiness, and harmony into their lives. Diwali is not a single-day event but a grand celebration spanning multiple days, each filled with unique traditions and cultural rituals that add layers of meaning and cultural richness to the festival.
Families plan their gatherings, shopping, home decorations, and puja preparations well in advance.
Happy Diwali 2025
When is Diwali 2025
This year, 2025, Diwali falls on Monday, October 20, according to the Hindu lunar calendar, which marks the 15th day of Kartik, also the darkest night of the year. This significant night is known as Amavasya, considered highly auspicious for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. The main Diwali puja is called Lakshmi Puja which takes place in the evening, illuminating homes with earthen lamps (diyas) and festooning them with rangoli patterns and bright lights.
Five days of Diwali 2025
Diwali is celebrated over five days, each where which is distinct, spiritual, and culturally significant
- Day 1: Dhanteras– October 18
The festival begins with Dhanteras, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantari, the God of health. It is considered highly auspicious to purchase new items, especially gold, silver, or utensils, symbolising prosperity and good fortune. Homes are cleaned and decorated to welcome the goddess.
- Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali– October 19
Also known as Choti Diwali, this day commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. Ritual oil baths before sunrise are a practice, and in many regions, it marks the primary day of Deepavali celebrations. Apart from that, people also light diyas near conduits inside their houses, which symbolises burning and cleansing the dirt of their homes. Lighting diyas and bursting crackers begins on this day.
- Day 3: Diwali– October 20
The celebration of Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Families perform a Lakshmi and Ganesha puja at dusk, light an array of diyas, and offer prayers for wealth, health, and happiness.
- Day 4: Govardhan Puja– October 22
This day honors Lord Krishna's lifting of Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from heavy rains. It involves elaborate food offerings called Annakut in temples. Devotees also worship cows, which are considered sacred.
- Day 5: Bhai Dooj– October 23
Celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, Bhai Dooj is a day for sisters to pray for their brothers' well-being by applying tilak to their foreheads and exchanging gifts and sweets. This day marks the culmination of the Diwali festivities.
Happy Diwali 2025
Muhurat for Diwali pooja 2025
The details are given below according to Drik Panchang
- Amavasya Tithi begins at 3:44 PM on October 20 and ends at 5:54 PM on October 21.
- Pradosh Kaal falls from 5:58 PM to 8:25 PM on the day of Diwali.
- Vrishabha Kaal, considered the most auspicious for Lakshmi Puja, occurs from 7:08 PM to 9:03 PM.
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is specifically from 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM, which is the sthir lagna during Vrishabha Kaal and is the ideal time to seek the blessings of wealth and prosperity, it is believed that if pooja rituals are performed during this time then Goddess Laxmi stays in the house .
People gather for puja in homes and workplaces within these timings to maximize the spiritual energy of the occasion.
Happy Diwali 2025
Diwali holidays 2025 across India
October 20, 2025, is a public holiday in many Indian states as Diwali will be widely observed across the country. Additionally, states such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Haryana often extend holidays to cover Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj, allowing families to celebrate the entire festival week joyfully. Diwali is a festival that lights up not just homes, but the spirit of togetherness and hope in every heart.
Wishing you all a happy Dhanteras and a Happy Diwali! May this festive season fill your home with light, laughter, and lasting prosperity, and may every day ahead bring health, happiness, and new opportunities for you and your loved ones.
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