Diwali 2025: Festival of Lights to Illuminate India on October 20

Digital Desk

Millions across India are preparing for Diwali, the annual Festival of Lights, which will be celebrated on Monday, October 20, 2025. The confirmation of the date resolves common confusion, as the auspicious Amavasya (new moon) tithi spans both October 20 and 21 this year .

The Lakshmi Puja Muhurat, the most critical ritual of the festival, is set for 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM on October 20, aligning with the Pradosh Kaal, making it the ideal time for devotional observances .

Significance and Traditions

Diwali, or Deepawali, symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. The festival commemorates the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana to their kingdom of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and the defeat of the demon king Ravana . The residents of Ayodhya celebrated their homecoming by illuminating the entire city with diyas (earthen lamps), a tradition continued for millennia.

Today, the festival is marked by families decorating their homes with diyas, electric lights, and colorful rangoli artworks. The evening Lakshmi Puja sees devotees praying to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, seeking blessings for peace, happiness, and abundance in the year ahead .

The Five-Day Festive Period

Diwali is the centerpiece of a five-day celebration, each day with its own significance and rituals :

· Dhanteras - October 18, 2025: The festival begins with Dhanteras, a day considered auspicious for buying precious metals and utensils.

· Choti Diwali - October 20, 2025: Also known as Narak Chaturdashi, this day precedes the main festival.

· Diwali / Lakshmi Puja - October 20, 2025: The main day of celebrations, featuring fireworks, feasts, and family gatherings.

· Govardhan Puja - October 22, 2025: This day honors Lord Krishna's defeat of the god Indra.

· Bhai Dooj - October 23, 2025: A day dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan.

A Unifying Celebration

While a cornerstone of Hindu tradition, Diwali's message of hope and renewal resonates across the diverse cultural and religious landscape of India. The festival is a national holiday, with celebrations cutting across regional and communal lines, embodying the country's unity in diversity. As homes and streets prepare to sparkle with millions of lights, Diwali 2025 promises to be a powerful spectacle of joy and collective faith.