In India, the five-day Diwali festival is underway, with today, October 19, 2025, celebrated as Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi. This day is a vibrant prelude to the main Diwali festival, rich with its own traditions and spiritual meaning.
The table below outlines the complete five-day schedule of the festival for your reference.
Day & Date Festival Name Significance & Rituals
Saturday, Oct 18 Dhanteras Festival's start; worship of Lord Dhanvantari; buying gold/silver for prosperity.
Sunday, Oct 19 Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) Lord Krishna's victory over demon Narakasura; lighting lamps, sharing sweets, cleansing rituals.
Monday, Oct 20 Main Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) New moon day (Amavasya); worship of Goddess Lakshmi & Lord Ganesha; homes illuminated with diyas, fireworks, family feasts.
Tuesday, Oct 21 Govardhan Puja Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill; offerings of vegetarian food (Annakut) made.
Wednesday, Oct 22 Bhai Dooj Celebrates sibling bonds; sisters perform a ceremony for their brothers' well-being.
The Significance and Traditions of Choti Diwali
Choti Diwali, observed on the 14th day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Kartik, is a day steeped in symbolism.
· Triumph of Good Over Evil: The day primarily commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasura. This victory symbolizes the removal of darkness, ignorance, and negativity, making way for light and goodness.
· Spiritual and Physical Purification: It is considered an auspicious day for cleansing rituals. Many devotees take an early morning oil bath, which is believed to purify the body and soul, washing away impurities.
· Preparations for the Main Event: Families use this day to put the finishing touches on their Diwali preparations. This includes decorating homes with colorful rangoli designs, preparing traditional sweets, and lighting earthen lamps (diyas) to welcome the main day of Diwali.
The Spiritual Essence: More Than Just Lights
While the dazzling displays of light are its most visible feature, Diwali's core is a profound spiritual message. It represents the dispelling of ignorance by the light of knowledge and the triumph of righteousness . The festival encourages introspection, urging individuals to cultivate the inner light that shines from within.
This universal theme resonates across different faiths. For Hindus, it often marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile . Jains commemorate it as the day Lord Mahavira attained nirvana (liberation) . For Sikhs, it coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, celebrating the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment . This shared celebration highlights the festival's powerful unifying spirit.
A Tapestry of Regional Celebrations
The beauty of Diwali in India is reflected in its diverse regional celebrations, each offering a unique experience :
· Varanasi: The ghats along the Ganges River become a breathtaking sea of flickering lamps, with a special Ganga Aarti creating a spiritually charged atmosphere .
· Jaipur: The Pink City is transformed into a regal spectacle, with its majestic palaces and bustling markets brilliantly illuminated in a vibrant competition of lights .
· Kolkata: The city worships the goddess Kali during Diwali, with magnificently decorated idols and temples drawing thousands of devotees .
· Goa: The celebration focuses on the destruction of the demon Narakasura, with giant effigies built and burnt at dawn in a dramatic reenactment .
A Call for a Sustainable Celebration
In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards an eco-friendly Diwali. Many are choosing to celebrate by using eco-friendly diyas, natural rangoli colors, and green crackers, or by focusing more on community service and family bonding rather than materialistic displays . This shift ensures the festival remains a joyful and responsible celebration for generations to come.
As Diwali 2025 approaches, the world readies itself to embrace this timeless message of hope, unity, and renewal. May the festival of lights illuminate your life with happiness, prosperity, and peace. Happy Diwali
