Source: Canva
Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates prosperity, unity, dedication, and the victory of good over evil.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India. Known as the festival of lights, it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. The festival is celebrated with enthusiasm by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists, all of whom infuse their own cultural and religious significance into the festival. Homes are adorned with diyas and rangoli, families come together for Lakshmi Puja, and communities gather to celebrate with fireworks, shared meals, and gift giving.
Diwali 2025 Dates in India
Dhanteras: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Naraka Chaturdashi/Choti Diwali: Sunday October 19, 2025
Diwali and Lakshmi Puja: Monday, October 20, 2025
Govardhan Puja/Annakut & Gujarati New Year: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Bhai Dooj/Chitragupta Puja: Thursday October 23, 2025
Shubh Muhurat Timings for India
The timing of Lakshmi Puja is regarded as sacred and is typically conducted within the Pradosh Kaal, i.e., the period following sunset that lasts for two hours. Performing the puja in Sthir Lagna (Vrishabha Lagna) is believed to ensure that prosperity remains stable in the household.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 7:08 PM – 8:18 PM (Monday, Oct 20, 2025)
Amavasya Tithi: Begins at 3:44 PM on Oct 20, 2025, and ends at 5:54 PM on Oct 21, 2025.
Kali Puja (Nishita Kaal): 11:41 PM – 12:31 AM (Oct 21, 2025)
Also Read: USGS Records 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake in Russia’s Kamchatka; Aftershocks Keep Region on Alert
Puja Vidhi: How It Is Performed
On the evening of Diwali, individuals clean and decorate their homes and shops with flowers, rangolis, and clay lamps. They set up a raised platform, display the idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on red and white cloths, and set the kalash filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut near the idols.
The puja proceeds with meditation and invocation of the deities. The idols are bathed with water, milk, and panchamrit, dressed in clothes and ornaments, and offered sandalwood paste, flowers, sweets, and fruits. The next step lights symbolic lamps and incense sticks, participates in the aarti, and distributes prasad. Finally, families decorate their homes with diyas, symbolizing the arrival of light and prosperity.
History and Significance of Diwali
The history and meaning of Diwali go back thousands of years and carry different importance in different religions. In Hindu tradition, Diwali is linked with several events. The most well-known is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and his victory over Ravana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed him back by lighting oil lamps, a custom that became the heart of the festival. In some parts of India, Diwali is also connected with the story of Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali. The day of Amavasya depends on when to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Lighting lamps is believed to invite the goddess to one’s home.
Diwali has a spiritual meaning of significance to Jains as the day in 527 BCE that Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, attained nirvana at Pawapuri, and in Jainism, lamps symbolize the eternal light of Lord Mahavira and his knowledge. For many Jain communities, it also represents the start of a new year.
For Sikhs, the occasion is known as Bandi Chhor Divas, which marks the day when local historical figure Guru Hargobind Ji was released from captivity at Gwalior Fort, alongside 52 kings. This is viewed as a moment of freedom and justice, and Sikhs around the world are remembering this today, illuminating gurdwaras, singing hymns, and conducting Nagar Kirtans.
Even among Buddhists, particularly among the Newar Buddhists of Nepal, Diwali is also celebrated as the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and the celebration of prosperity, embodying the universal spirit of the festival.
Celebrations Throughout India
India is a country full of diversity and Diwali is celebrated in multiple ways. In Ayodhya, the grand Deepotsav is celebrated with millions of diyas lit—a spectacular sight. Many Gujarati families will conduct a special Chopda Puja, the opening of the account book for a new fiscal year. Temples across the country will conduct Annakut, where large varieties of food are offered to the deities. Families across India exchange sweets, celebrate with fireworks, and come together for feasts or prayers.
