Diwali 2025 – Festival of Lights, Legends, Rituals & Regional Traditions

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is the radiant festival of lights that illuminates homes and hearts, spreading the message of hope, friendship, prosperity, and spiritual renewal. In 2025, Diwali falls on Tuesday, October 21, marking the third day of the five-day celebration.

Mythological Significance

Diwali is deeply rooted in diverse traditions across India:

• Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, welcomed with lamps and fireworks
• Union of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu in Vaikuntha
• Worship of Goddess Kali in Bengal as Shyama Puja
• Mahavira’s Nirvana in Jain tradition
• Harvest Festival in ancient agrarian India
• Death anniversary of Dayanand Saraswati, reformer of Arya Samaj

Five-Day Diwali Calendar

1.     Dhanteras (Oct 19):
Marks the beginning of the financial year; people buy gold, silver, and utensils

2.     Naraka Chaturdashi (Oct 20):
Commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura; early morning bath and rituals

3.     Diwali / Lakshmi Puja (Oct 21):
Main day of celebration; worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, lighting diyas, wearing new clothes, and bursting crackers

4.     Govardhan Puja / Kartika Shudha Padyami (Oct 22):
Celebrates Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill; observed with food offerings and house decorations

5.     Bhai Dooj (Oct 23):
Sisters honor their brothers with prayers for long life and well-being

Rituals & Traditions

• Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja:
  Families perform elaborate rituals to invite wealth and wisdom
• Lighting Diyas & Rangoli:
  Homes are decorated with lamps, rangoli, and flowers
• Feasting & Gifts:
  Exchange of sweets, gifts, and festive meals among friends and family
• Firecrackers:
  Symbolic of victory over darkness and evil
• New Clothes & Home Cleaning:
  Signifies renewal and readiness to welcome prosperity

Regional Variations

• South India:
  Celebrates King Mahabali’s homecoming; houses adorned with flowers and cow dung
• Bengal & East India:
  Worship of Goddess Kali as Shyama Puja
• Maharashtra:
  Begins with Vasu Baras, honoring cows and calves
• Nationwide:
  Diwali Melas (fairs) feature shopping, performances, and cultural exhibitions