Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India. The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit term Deepavali, meaning “row of lights.”
The festival’s origins lie in Hindu mythology, marking the return of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, and Lord Lakshman to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. As the legend goes, the people of Ayodhya lit rows of oil lamps to welcome them home after sunset.
Beyond its mythological roots, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is also celebrated as the Hindu New Year in several regions of India. The date of Diwali changes each year based on the lunar calendar.
Who Celebrates Diwali?
While Diwali is primarily a Hindu festival, it is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists — each community observing the festival with its own historical and spiritual significance. Today, Diwali has grown beyond religion, becoming a global cultural celebration of joy, light, and togetherness.
Why Does the Date of Diwali Change Every Year?
Diwali’s date depends on the Hindu lunar calendar and typically falls between October and November. The festival spans five days, with the main celebration — Lakshmi Puja — occurring on the third night, which is also the darkest night of the lunar month.
This moment symbolizes light dispelling darkness, with families offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity) and Lord Ganesha (the remover of obstacles).
When is Diwali in 2025?
In 2025, Diwali will be celebrated on October 20 — the day of Lakshmi Puja. On this day, prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for prosperity, wealth, and good fortune.
There has been some confusion over the exact date this year, as astrologers have noted that the auspicious muhurat (timing for rituals) extends across two days — October 20 and 21.
The Five Days of Diwali 2025
- Dhanteras – October 18, 2025
The festival begins with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to buying gold, silver, and new utensils as symbols of prosperity. Homes and workplaces are cleaned and decorated, and prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. - Chhoti Diwali – October 19, 2025
Known as Diwali Eve, this day is devoted to beautifying homes, creating rangoli designs, lighting lamps, and exchanging gifts and sweets with loved ones. - Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) – October 20, 2025
The main day of celebration. People light diyas (oil lamps), decorate homes, burst fireworks, and offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha after sunset. Streets, buildings, and temples glow with colorful lights. - Govardhan Puja – October 21, 2025
Devotees worship Lord Krishna, commemorating his lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rain. Offerings of food, known as Annakut, are prepared and shared. - Bhai Dooj – October 22, 2025
The final day celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, with sisters praying for their brothers’ well-being and brothers giving gifts in return.
Home Cleansing Rituals for Diwali
Cleaning one’s home and workplace is an essential Diwali tradition. It’s believed to clear away negative energy and make space for positive vibrations and prosperity. Many people treat this as a spiritual form of “energy cleansing,” setting intentions for the coming year while tidying and organizing their spaces.
How to Decorate Your Home for Diwali
Lights are the heart of Diwali décor. Traditional terracotta oil lamps (diyas) are lined along balconies, courtyards, and windows, while fairy lights and lanterns illuminate homes and streets.
Safety is important — always use stable surfaces for lamps and light fresh candles and diyas on Diwali night.
Another key decoration is the rangoli, intricate designs drawn using colored powders, flowers, or rice flour at entrances and courtyards to welcome guests and prosperity. Decorate further with marigolds, roses, candles, and diyas for a festive touch.
Bollywood’s Famous Diwali Parties
In India’s entertainment capital, Diwali is as grand as it gets. The Bachchan family hosts their iconic Diwali bash at Jalsa, attended by top stars and dignitaries. Similarly, Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan celebrate at Mannat with dazzling décor and celebrity guests.
Fashion designer Manish Malhotra’s Diwali party is another much-anticipated event, attracting the biggest names in Bollywood — from Rekha, Nita Ambani, and Madhuri Dixit to Kareena Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, and Ananya Panday. These glittering celebrations have become annual fixtures in Mumbai’s social calendar.