Here is a quick overview of the five-day schedule:
Day & Date Festival Name Significance & Key Rituals
Saturday, Oct 18 Dhanteras Day of wealth; buy gold/silver, clean and decorate homes, light lamps to welcome prosperity .
Sunday, Oct 19 Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) Victory of good over evil; take holy oil bath before sunrise, light lamps, enjoy fireworks.
Monday, Oct 20 Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) Main day; worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for prosperity, illuminate homes with diyas, create rangoli, enjoy feasts and fireworks .
Tuesday, Oct 21 Govardhan Puja Honor Lord Krishna; prepare and offer Annakut (mountain of food), perform pujas .
Wednesday, Oct 22 Bhai Dooj Celebrate sibling bonds; sisters perform tilak ceremony for brothers, exchange gifts and sweets .
The Deeper Meaning of Diwali
Beyond the brilliant lights, Diwali is a profound cultural celebration symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil . The stories behind the festival vary across India, adding to its rich tapestry:
In North India, Diwali celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana .
In South India, it marks the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura .
In Gujarat, the festival also marks the end of the financial year, with businesses performing Chopda Pujan (worshipping new account books) .
In Bengal, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, dedicated to the worship of the fierce Goddess Kali .
The five days of Diwali in 2025 offer a perfect journey from cleansing and renewal to celebrating prosperity and cherished relationships.
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