⇒ One of the most popular narratives comes from the Ramayana.
⇒ After defeating Ravana and completing 14 years in exile, Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, returned to Ayodhya.
⇒ The people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps (diyas) throughout the city to welcome them, symbolizing light over darkness and the return of righteousness.

♦ Lakshmi’s Emergence

⇒ According to the Puranas, on this day, Goddess Lakshmi emerged during the Samudra Manthan (cosmic ocean churning), bringing wealth and fortune.
⇒ As a result, Diwali became strongly associated with Lakshmi Puja, especially among merchants and traders.

♦ Krishna and Narakasura

⇒ In parts of South India, the festival is linked to Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, marking the triumph of virtue.

Jain Significance of Diwali

⇒ For Jains, Diwali commemorates the day Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, attained moksha (liberation) at Pavapuri in 527 BCE.
⇒ Jain temples are lit with lamps, and special prayers are offered.

Sikh Significance of Diwali

⇒ Bandi Chhor Divas coincides with Diwali and celebrates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji along with 52 kings from Mughal captivity in 1619.

⇒ Sikhs light lamps in Gurdwaras, most notably the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Historical Evidence

⇒ Diwali has been mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts like the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana.

⇒ Archaeological evidence also suggests the use of diyas and festive gatherings during harvest seasons in early Indian civilizations.

Also Read: November Holidays

Different Types of Diwali

People commonly use the term Diwali to refer to the main day of Lakshmi Puja, but families traditionally celebrate the festival over five days, and each day carries its own rituals, meaning, and often regional observance styles. Here’s a breakdown of the different Diwali days and how people celebrate them across India.

Dhanteras (Day 1: Saturday, 18 October 2025)

• Marks the beginning of Diwali.
• Devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda.
• People buy gold, silver, and new utensils, a sign of welcoming prosperity.
• In businesses, it’s considered an auspicious day to start new ledgers.

Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali (Day 2: Sunday, 19 October 2025)

• Celebrated as the day Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasura.
• People clean their homes, take oil baths, and light small lamps in the evening.
• Known as Choti Diwali in North India and observed more prominently in South India.

Diwali/Lakshmi Puja (Day 3: Monday, 20 October 2025)

• The main day of the festival.
• Devotees perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening, offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth, peace, and prosperity.
• Houses are decorated with diyas, rangoli, flowers, and lights.
• Fireworks and sweet exchanges mark the celebration.

Govardhan Puja/Annakut (Day 4: Wednesday, 22 October 2025)

• Celebrates Lord Krishna’s act of lifting Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rains.
• Devotees prepare Annakut, a mountain of food offered to the deity.
• Prominent in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and parts of Rajasthan.

Bhai Dooj / Bhau Beej / Bhai Tika (Day 5: Thursday, 23 October 2025)

• A celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan.
• Sisters perform aarti and apply tilak on their brothers’ foreheads.
• Brothers give gifts and promise protection in return.
• Known as Bhai Dooj in North India and Bhau Beej in Maharashtra.
  

Regional Notes:

• In West Bengal, Kali Puja coincides with Diwali and is dedicated to Goddess Kali.
• In Tamil Nadu, Naraka Chaturdashi is observed more prominently than Lakshmi Puja.
• Jain and Sikh communities observe the festival with their own unique traditions (as covered earlier).

Diwali Rituals & Traditions

Diwali is marked by a wide range of rituals and customs, many of which have been passed down through generations. These traditions reflect devotion, joy, prosperity, and community bonding, all centered around the symbolic victory of light over darkness.

Cleaning and Decorating the Home

• Before Diwali, homes are thoroughly cleaned, renovated, or repainted to invite positivity and wealth.
• Doors and windows are decorated with mango leaves, marigold garlands, and torans (hangings).
• Intricate rangoli designs made from colored powders, rice, or flower petals are drawn at entrances to welcome guests and deities.

Lighting of Diyas and Lamps

• One of the most iconic traditions is lighting earthen diyas, candles, and decorative lamps throughout the home and surroundings.
• It signifies the removal of spiritual darkness and ignorance.
• In urban areas, this extends to fairy lights, lanterns, and LED decorations on balconies and rooftops.

Lakshmi Puja

On Diwali evening (20 October 2025), families perform Lakshmi Puja to invoke blessings from Goddess Lakshmi (wealth) and Lord Ganesha (auspicious beginnings).
A typical puja includes:

⇒ Offering sweets, coins, and flowers.
⇒ Lighting incense and diyas.
⇒ Reciting mantras and performing aarti. 

Many also place business account books before the deities to start the new financial year on a sacred note.

Sharing Sweets and Gifts

• Diwali is synonymous with exchanging homemade sweets (mithai) like laddoos, barfi, and gujiya.
• Dry fruits, chocolates, and gift hampers are also popular modern alternatives.
• Families and friends exchange thoughtful gifts to express love and good wishes.

Fireworks and Crackers

• Fireworks are traditionally used to celebrate joy and ward off evil spirits.
• While once a central part of celebrations, many people now opt for eco-friendly alternatives or limit their use due to environmental concerns and health safety.

Charity and Kindness

• Diwali is also a time of giving, many people donate clothes, food, or money to those in need.
• People consider acts of kindness highly auspicious during this festival of prosperity.

Ways to Celebrate Diwali

• Diwali’s joy lies in its ability to bring together tradition and innovation. While the core rituals remain rooted in ancient customs, the ways people celebrate have evolved with time, lifestyle, and awareness. • Here’s how Diwali is commonly celebrated across homes and communities today.

Traditional Home Celebrations

• Family members gather in the evening to perform Lakshmi Puja.
• Families illuminate homes with diyas and candles and draw elaborate rangolis at entrances.
• People wear new clothes, often in vibrant colors that symbolize prosperity and festivity.

Festive Shopping & Gifting

• Diwali triggers one of the largest shopping periods in India, for clothes, electronics, jewelry, home décor, and more.
• People buy new items as a sign of fresh beginnings, often guided by the belief that purchasing during Diwali brings luck.
• Exchanging sweets and gift boxes remains a cherished tradition among friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

Eco-Friendly Celebrations

• Many families now consciously avoid loud or polluting crackers, opting for green fireworks, LED lights, or no-cracker Diwali.

The use of natural colors in rangoli, biodegradable décor, and organic sweets has also grown in popularity.

Virtual Diwali

• With families often spread across geographies, virtual Diwali celebrations via video calls, online gift deliveries, and e-greetings are increasingly common.
• Digital platforms also host Diwali-themed games, puja livestreams, and virtual events.

Office & Community Events

• Workplaces host pre-Diwali events with dress codes, potlucks, and diya-lighting ceremonies.
• Housing societies often organize community pujas, dance competitions, and food fests, bringing neighbors together.

Spiritual & Minimalist Observance

• Some individuals prefer a quiet and reflective Diwali, focusing on meditation, chanting, and introspection.
• It’s also common for people to use this time to disconnect from digital distractions and focus on relationships and self-care.

Suggested Read: December Holidays

Famous Destinations for Diwali Celebration

While Diwali is celebrated throughout India, some cities and regions stand out for their grand decorations, spiritual ambiance, and cultural richness. These destinations offer a unique way to experience the festival, often blending ancient traditions with modern spectacle.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

• Known for its Ganga Mahotsav during Diwali, Varanasi lights up with thousands of floating diyas on the Ganges.
• The Dev Deepawali celebration (15 days after Diwali) attracts visitors from across the world.
• Earthen lamps decorate the ghats and fireworks light up the sky, creating a spiritual and visual marvel.

Jaipur, Rajasthan

• Jaipur transforms into a city of lights, with markets, homes, and even public buildings covered in dazzling decorations.
• The Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar are known for vibrant Diwali shopping and displays.
• The city’s annual Diwali lighting competition makes it a must-see during the festive season.

Amritsar, Punjab

• Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, making it a major celebration for the Sikh community.
• The Golden Temple is illuminated with thousands of lights and fireworks, creating an ethereal glow.
• The combination of religious significance and visual beauty makes it a standout destination.

Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

• Associated with Lord Rama’s return, Ayodhya has become a symbolic center of Diwali celebrations.
• In recent years, the city has set Guinness World Records for the largest number of diyas lit simultaneously.
• The Ram Ki Paidi ghats and Ram Leela performances add to the grandeur.

Kolkata, West Bengal

• While Diwali is celebrated, it coincides with Kali Puja, a major event here.
• Devotees worship Goddess Kali, and pandals are set up across the city.
• Fireworks, sweets, and pujas take place throughout the night.

Mumbai, Maharashtra

• Mumbai’s Diwali is a mix of spiritual and cosmopolitan, with homes, high-rises, and seafronts glowing with fairy lights.
• Marine Drive becomes a hotspot for fireworks, while localities host lavish community gatherings.

Conclusion

Diwali Holiday 2025, observed on Monday, 20 October 2025, will be the central day of a five-day festival that holds cultural, spiritual, and national significance across India. With official public and bank holidays declared in many states for Lakshmi Puja and additional observances like Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj, it is a period marked by collective celebration and regional diversity.

The festival’s customs, from Lakshmi Puja, lighting diyas, and sharing sweets to its modern expressions through eco-conscious practices and digital connectivity, reflect its evolving yet timeless relevance. The distinct celebrations in cities like Varanasi, Jaipur, Amritsar, and Ayodhya further enrich the Diwali experience.