Diwali is not just a festival, but an emotion that fills hearts with joy and warmth. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on Tuesday, 21 October 2025. On this occasion, homes across the country will soon glow with diyas and skies will sparkle with fireworks. This five-day journey is filled with meaning, tradition, and moments that bring families and friends closer. As we gear up to celebrate Diwali 2025, let’s explore what makes the celebration special, from rituals, dates and significance to how people celebrate it across India. Ready to experience the magic of Diwali?
Why is Diwali Celebrated?
Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali (Deepavali) holds a deep spiritual significance in Hinduism. The day celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya on this day after defeating the demon king Ravana and completing 14 years of exile. People lit lamps to welcome him home, symbolizing the victory of righteousness.
Diwali also honours Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. She is said to visit clean, well-lit homes and showers her blessings on devotees. The festival is a time for prayers, lights, family gatherings, sweets, and joy, bringing communities together in celebration and hope for a prosperous future.
Diwali 2025 Date & Timings
Diwali is observed on the Amavasya (New Moon Day) in the Hindu month of Kartik, which typically falls in mid-October and mid-November. This year, it falls on 21 October (Tuesday). The timings for puja during Diwali 2025 are mentioned below:
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat – 07:08 PM to 08:18 PM
- Pradosh Kaal – 05:46 PM to 08:18 PM
- Vrishabha Kaal – 07:08 PM to 09:03 PM
- Amavasya Tithi Begins – 03:44 PM on October 20, 2025
- Amavasya Tithi Ends – 05:54 PM on October 21, 2025
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The Five Days of Diwali 2025
Diwali is not a single-day affair but a five-day-long festival, with each holding its own unique significance and rituals. From cleaning our homes to lighting diyas and sharing gifts, every little ritual has a story to tell. A deeper understanding of these traditions is essential to truly appreciate the richness and spiritual depth of the festival.
Day 1 - Dhanteras (18 October 2025)
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The festival of Diwali officially begins with Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi. On this day, it is considered highly auspicious to purchase precious metals like gold or silver, or even new utensils for the home. It is believed that buying these items brings good luck, wealth, and prosperity. Homes are meticulously cleaned and decorated, and small clay lamps, known as diyas, are lit and placed at the entrance to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The day is dedicated to celebrating prosperity and preparing for the main festivities ahead.
Day 2 - Naraka Chaturdashi (20 October 2025)
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Known as ‘Chhoti Diwali’, Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated on the second day. The focus is on warding off evil spirits and darkness. It commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. On this day, people wake up before sunrise to perform cleansing rituals. It is a day of final preparations before the main event, with homes brightly lit and the last touches being put on elaborate rangoli patterns made from colored powders or flower petals at the entrance. The evening is quieter than the main Diwali night, but the festive spirit is palpable.
Day 3 - Lakshmi Puja (21 October, 2025)
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This is the most significant day of the festival. On the evening of the Amavasya (new moon), families gather to perform the Lakshmi Puja, an elaborate prayer ceremony to invite Goddess Lakshmi into their homes. It is believed that the goddess blesses her devotees with wealth and prosperity. After the puja, families light up their homes with countless diyas, candles, and fairy lights, creating a breathtaking spectacle. This is the night of fireworks, feasting, and exchanging gifts and sweets with friends and neighbors. The collective glow across towns and cities is a sight to behold.
Day 4 - Govardhan Puja (22 October, 2025)
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The fourth day commemorates the incident where Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to provide shelter to villagers from torrential rains. To celebrate this day, devotees prepare and offer a mountain of food, stylized as a small hillock, to the deities as a mark of gratitude. In many parts of North India, this day is also celebrated as Annakut, where a vast array of vegetarian dishes is prepared and offered to the gods. It is a day of immense devotion and culinary celebration, reinforcing themes of gratitude and divine protection.
Day 5 - Bhai Dooj (October 23, 2025)
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The festival concludes with Bhai Dooj, a day that celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a tilak (a ceremonial mark) on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their long life and prosperity. In return, brothers offer gifts to their sisters as a token of their love and pledge to protect them. The festival ends on this note of familial love and togetherness, wrapping up the five days of celebration with a heartwarming tradition.
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Top 5 Places to Celebrate Diwali in Diwali 2025
- Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, hosts the grandest Deepotsav celebrations every year. Millions of diyas (earthen lamps) are lit along the Saryu River, special Ram Leela performances and cultural events are held across the city. The city also offers fireworks and a spiritual vibe like nowhere else.
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi lights up with thousands of lamps along the ghats, Ganga Aarti, and fireworks. Dev Deepawali, celebrated after Diwali, is a truly divine spectacle.
- Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Celebrate Diwali with spiritual calm in Rishikesh. Riverbanks glow with oil lamps, bhajans fill the air, and the Ganga Aarti adds a divine atmosphere.
- Delhi
Delhi bursts into life during Diwali with decorated markets, dazzling fireworks, temple rituals, and grand family celebrations. A blend of tradition, food, and festivity.
- Jaipur, Rajasthan
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On the occasion of Diwali, Jaipur glows with decorated markets, illuminated palaces, and community events. The Johari and Bapu Bazaars are must-visits for Diwali shopping and lights.
Diwali is one of the most beautiful and joyous festivals in the world. Our guide is designed to help you immerse yourself in the festivities without any hassle, providing all the essential details from auspicious timings to the best spots for feasting and sightseeing. By following these tips, you can ensure a journey that is not just a vacation, but a vibrant cultural immersion. Planning to witness the vibrant celebrations this year? Book your festive journey with our exclusive India tour packages and get ready for an unforgettable celebration!
FAQ’s - Diwali 2025
The five days of Diwali 2025 will be celebrated from 18 October to 22 October, with the main day of Lakshmi Puja falling on the evening of 21 October. Other days of the festival are Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
There is no strict dress code for Diwali, but modest clothing is recommended. Many people, including tourists, consider wearing traditional Indian attire like a kurta or a saree to feel part of the festivities.
The main and most important day of Diwali 2025 is Lakshmi Puja, which will be celebrated on 21 October 2025 (Tuesday). This is when families perform the main prayers and light up their homes.
Public transport remains operational during Diwali, but it will be extremely crowded. Therefore, it is recommended to prebook taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola for more convenience.
During Diwali, you must try various Indian sweets (mithai) like Kaju Katli, Jalebi, and Gulab Jamun. For savory treats, samosas and kachoris are popular snacks enjoyed during the festival.
The lights and diyas during Diwali symbolize the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is believed that the lights guide Goddess Lakshmi into people's homes to bless them with prosperity.
The best places to celebrate Diwali in India are Ayodhya, Varanasi, Rishikesh, Delhi, Jaipur and Kolkata.
It is a customary and appreciated gesture to bring a gift if you are invited to someone's home for Diwali celebrations. You can bring a box of sweets (mithai) or a small decorative item for gifting.
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