Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is India’s grand festival of lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Families come together for prayers, feasting, charity, home decoration, and festive joy. It holds immense spiritual and cultural significance across Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist communities.
In 2025, Diwali falls on Monday, 20th October, with Lakshmi Puja as the main highlight of the festival.
Diwali 2025 – Main Date and Tithi Details
- Main Diwali Date (Lakshmi Puja): Monday, 20th October 2025
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: 20th October at 12:11 AM
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: 21st October at 10:43 PM
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 6:59 PM to 8:32 PM IST
The 5 Days of Diwali Festival 2025
1. Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi) – Saturday, 18th October 2025
- Worship of Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi
- Buying gold, silver, brass, or utensils is considered auspicious
- Homes are cleaned and illuminated to welcome prosperity
2. Narak Chaturdashi / Kali Chaudas – Sunday, 19th October 2025
- Also known as Choti Diwali
- Ritual Abhyang Snan (holy oil bath) is performed before sunrise
- In South India, this is the main Deepavali day, marking Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura
3. Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali Night) – Monday, 20th October 2025
- Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Kuber are worshipped
- Diyas are lit to drive away darkness and invite divine blessings
- Families perform Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja in homes and businesses
4. Govardhan Puja / Annakut – Tuesday, 21st October 2025
- Worship of Lord Krishna who lifted Govardhan Hill to protect devotees
- Celebrated with grand food offerings (Annakut) and Govardhan rituals in temples
5. Bhai Dooj / Yama Dwitiya – Wednesday, 22nd October 2025
- Celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters
- Sisters apply tilak on brothers’ foreheads and pray for their longevity
- Gifts and sweets are exchanged in a joyful atmosphere
Why Diwali is Celebrated – Cultural Significance
- North India: Commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya and the lighting of diyas across the kingdom
- Gujarat: Marks the end of the financial year, with Chopda Pujan (sanctification of account books)
- South India: Celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura
- Bengal & Odisha: Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, invoking the fierce form of Goddess Durga
- Jainism: Observes Mahavira’s Nirvana (liberation) on this night
- Sikhism: Celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas, marking Guru Hargobind Ji’s release from prison
How Diwali is Celebrated Across India
- Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja: Prayers for prosperity, wisdom, and new beginnings
- Lighting Diyas: Symbol of light, purity, and spiritual awakening
- Decorating Homes: With rangoli, flowers, torans, and lights
- Firecrackers: Traditional celebration of joy and the victory of dharma
- Feasting and Sweets: Preparation and sharing of homemade mithai like laddus, barfi, kheer
- Charity (Daan): Donating food, clothes, or money as part of Diwali dharma
- New Clothes: A symbol of renewal and abundance
Modern Tips for a Sustainable Diwali
- Use eco-friendly diyas and natural rangoli colors
- Prefer green or silent firecrackers to reduce pollution
- Gift handmade or local artisan products
- Focus on spiritual practices, bonding, and seva (service) rather than materialism
Book Pandit for Lakshmi Puja or 5-Day Diwali Rituals
BookMyPooja offers:
- Full 5-day Diwali Puja services, including Lakshmi-Ganesha Archana, Chopda Pujan, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj rituals
- Experienced priests fluent in Hindi, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi traditions
- Online and in-person pujas with complete puja samagri kits included
- Customized pujas for homes, businesses, and gated societies