Diwali or Deepawali is one of the most lovable and popular festivals in India. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy in India and across the world. Diwali, also known as the festival of light, is considered the victory of light over evil and darkness. The celebration of Diwali begins with holidays and festivities that begin around Diwali, which continue for almost a week. Whether you are a bit confused about "When is Diwali in 2025?" or you need a thorough explanation of the festival concept, after reading this blog you will have all the answers. Let's get down to business to understand what Diwali is all about in 2025.
When is Diwali in 2025? (Diwali 2025 Date)
The year 2025 points to the first day of Diwali on Monday, the 20th of October. This is the main day of the five-day celebration, the Lakshmi Puja day. It is marked as the most impactful moment in the entire festival and is held during the night of Amavasya (moonless night) in the Hindu month of Kartik.
The Main points of Diwali 2025:
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM (IST, for Delhi – might be a bit different at other places).
Amavasya Tithi: Starts at 3:44 PM on the 20th of October and ends at 5:54 PM on the 21st.
As a result of the Amavasya night covering two different days, it may be that some calendars have the 21st of October as Diwali; however, the right time for Lakshmi Puja according to lunar calculations and Pradosh Kaal is the evening of Monday, the 20th of October.
Diwali 2025 | The 5 Days
It's worth noting that Diwali in October 2025 is primarily celebrated on October 20, but the festival extends five days, which are very important both culturally and spiritually.
1. Dhanteras – Saturday, October 18, 2025
Dhanteras marks the very first day of Diwali and is linked with good fortune, health, and general well-being. Worshippers offer their prayers to Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda and to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
Traditions:
Buying of one or more of the following: gold, silver, or household articles as material representations of prosperity.
Lighting up the first diya of the festival season.
Doing thorough cleaning of the house to attract wealth and positive vibes.
2. Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) – Sunday, October 19, 2025
Known also as Choti Diwali, the day marks the triumph of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. It stands as a symbol of the annihilation of evil and the purging of the soul.
Traditions:
Taking of an oil bath at dawn or Abhyanga Snan.
In the evening lighting of diyas.
Preparing snacks and sweets for the main Diwali night.
3. Diwali / Lakshmi Puja – Monday, October 20, 2025
The very first day of Diwali 2025 is what the main focus lies on the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, who is the one to be visiting homes on the night.
Traditions:
Conducting of Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja in the evening.
Wrapping homes, windows, and courtyards with strings of lit diyas (oil lamps).
Offering of sweets, flowers, incense, and prayers.
Cracking firecrackers (if allowed) and making merry with your folks.
4. Govardhan Puja – Wednesday, October 22, 2025
This day represents the time when Lord Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan to shelter the villagers from heavy rain. In some areas, this day is also called Annakut, when a huge variety of foods are made and offered to the gods.
Traditions:
Making mini hillock models out of cow dung and decorating them with flowers.
Feeding a huge "mountain" of food to Krishna (Annakut).
5. Bhai Dooj – Thursday, October 23, 2025
The last day of the Diwali festival is dedicated to the loving relationship between brothers and sisters. Sisters wish for a long life and the well-being of their brothers.
Traditions:
Sisters put tilak on the brothers’ foreheads and do aarti.
Brothers give gifts and blessings in return.
Relatives come together for special meals.
Why Do We Celebrate Diwali?
Diwali means different things in various Indian traditions and regions, which is why it is one of the most culturally diverse festivals.
Main Significances:
North India: Marks the return of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman to Ayodhha after defeating Ravana.
South India: Marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura.
Western India (Gujarat): Is it the day of the new financial year.
Eastern India (West Bengal, Assam, Odisha): It is celebrated with Kali Puja, the worship of Goddess Kali.
However, the underlying symbol is the same for all the regions—light overcomes darkness, good overcomes evil, and knowledge overcomes ignorance.
Spiritual and Symbolic Meaning
The festival of lights is not the only thing Diwali is known for. It is also a time for:
Purification from within: Giving up grudges and other mental stuff.
Start of new things: Doing a fresh start in both personal and professional life.
Strengthening the relationship with family: Meeting with loves ones and sharing the happiness, food, and memories.
Devotion and meditation: Doing prayers and showing gratitude to gods and ancestors.
How to Celebrate Diwali 2025 Meaningfully
How about making this Diwali both joyful and mindful? Here's a list of things you could do:
Before Diwali:
Clean your home thoroughly (which is a way of getting rid of negative energy).
Decorate using lights, flowers, torans, and rangoli.
Prepare for shopping by making a list of new clothes, gifts, and festive groceries.
On Lakshmi Puja Day:
Put the puja altar in order with the idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha.
Inside and outside the house, 11, 21, or 51 diyas are to be lit.
Do offer sweets such as kaju katli, laddoo, gujiya, and kheer.
Along with aarti, a series of mantras dedicated to Lakshmi are chanted for wealth and peace.
Let the fun and festivities also include sharing food and gifts with family, friends, and neighbours.
How Diwali is Celebrated Around the World
Diwali is a global festivity and not just confined to India anymore.
In the United States:
Schools, community centres, and the White House recognise Diwali.
Indian communities put together grand events, fireworks displays, and temple festivities.
In the UK and Canada:
The streets and temples look lovely with the lights.
Diwali fairs and cultural performances draw large crowds from different ethnic backgrounds.
In Southeast Asia:
Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia celebrate Diwali (known as Deepavali) with public holidays and gorgeous street decorations.
Modern-Day Diwali Trends
A fresh look at Diwali 2025 will presumably highlight more sustainability, personalisation, and virtual celebrations than ever before.
Rising Trends:
Noise-free crackers and LED diyas to keep the environment clean.
Minimalist décor made of natural flowers, clay, and terracotta.
Digital pujas and Zoom parties for remote families.
Vocal for Local: Helping local artisans, potters, and sweet shops.
Mindful gifting: Gifting of handmade goods, plants, eco-hampers, and experiences.
Final Thoughts: Light That Stays Within
When Diwali 2025 comes around, it is good to remember that the point of the celebration is not only to brighten up the home but also to bring light to the hearts—with love, faith, and understanding. The light of a diya, the joy of home-cooked sweets, and the happy noise of family sharing—these are the real signs of Deepawali.
Let this be the time to start afresh, forgive, and proceed with dignity.
Wishing you a bright, joyful, and prosperous Diwali 2025!