Diwali 2025: Complete Guide to Date, Puja Timings,
Vidhi, History & Traditions

Diwali, also known as Diwali festival of lights, is one of the most awaited and widely celebrated festivals in India and among Indian communities worldwide. It is more than just a festival—it is a symbol of the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

Often referred to as the “festival of lights”, Diwali is celebrated with devotion, grandeur, and joy. The festival usually spans five days, and each day carries its unique rituals and cultural importance. Streets, homes, and temples glow with rows of diyas (oil lamps), twinkling lights, and colorful rangolis. Families gather to worship, share sweets, exchange gifts, and spend time together in festive spirit.

At the spiritual core of Diwali lies the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, along with Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. This tradition signifies the wish for prosperity, good fortune, and positivity in life.

In 2025, Diwali promises to be even more exciting, blending ancient traditions with modern lifestyles. Families now celebrate by combining traditional rituals with eco-friendly and contemporary practices, making the festival relevant to today’s times. If you are preparing for Diwali festival celebrations in India in 2025, this guide will give you complete details about the date, puja timings, history, significance, rituals, food, traditions, and eco-friendly celebration ideas.

Diwali 2025 Date & Puja Timings

The grand celebration of Diwali in 2025 will take place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. The highlight of the festival is Lakshmi Puja, performed during the evening when Amavasya Tithi coincides with Pradosh Kaal. This is considered the most auspicious time to worship Goddess Lakshmi.

• Lakshmi Puja Date: October 21, 2025
• Amavasya Tithi Begins: 05:27 AM (October 21)
• Amavasya Tithi Ends: 03:46 AM (October 22)
• Pradosh Kaal Muhurat: 05:57 PM – 08:29 PM
• Lakshmi Puja Best Muhurat: 06:21 PM – 08:10 PM

During this sacred muhurat, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kubera, seeking blessings of prosperity, wealth, and happiness. Offering prayers during this time is believed to bring fortune, positivity, and success into one’s life.

History & Significance of Diwali

The history of Diwali is deeply rooted in mythology, legends, and cultural traditions. It is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists, each community attaching its own unique meaning to the festival.

1. Return of Lord Rama

According to the Ramayana, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile with Sita and Lakshmana, following the defeat of Ravana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed their king with rows of lit lamps (diyas), marking the triumph of good over evil.

2. Lord Krishna’s Victory

In many parts of India, Diwali is remembered as the day when Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. His victory is seen as the end of cruelty and arrogance, and the triumph of good over evil.

3. Birth of Goddess Lakshmi

The festival is also connected with the story of Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean). It is believed that on this occasion, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, emerged. This is why her worship during Diwali is considered so important.

4. Mahavira’s Liberation (Jainism)

For Jains, Diwali is a sacred day because it marks the Nirvana of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, in 527 BCE. It is observed as a time of spiritual awakening and liberation.

5. Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikhism)

For Sikhs, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas. It recalls the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from Mughal imprisonment, along with 52 other kings, symbolizing justice, freedom, and compassion.

These stories together show that Diwali is not tied to just one legend. It is a festival that celebrates freedom, victory, light, and the promise of new beginnings.

Rituals & Puja Vidhi of Diwali 2025

Diwali is not a one-day event—it is a five-day festival, with each day carrying its own traditions, significance, and rituals.

1. Dhanteras (October 19, 2025)

• Marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations.
• Dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi.
• Buying gold, silver, or utensils is considered auspicious.
• Homes are cleaned and decorated for positive energy.

2. Naraka Chaturdashi / Chhoti Diwali (October 20, 2025)

• Associated with Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura.
• People light diyas, prepare festive dishes, and take ritual baths.
• Symbolizes removal of negativity.

3. Diwali / Lakshmi Puja (October 21, 2025)

• The main day of Diwali festival celebrations in India.
• Families worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
• Rituals include Kalash Sthapana, Lakshmi-Ganesh Aarti, Deepdaan, and Prasad distribution.
• Homes shine with rangoli, diyas, candles, and fairy lights.

4. Govardhan Puja / Annakut (October 22, 2025)

• Celebrates Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect villagers.
• Devotees prepare Annakut (56+ dishes) as an offering to Krishna.
• Signifies gratitude to nature and divine protection.

5. Bhai Dooj (October 23, 2025)

• Celebrates the bond of brothers and sisters.
• Sisters apply tilak, perform rituals, and pray for their brothers’ well-being.
• Brothers reciprocate with gifts and blessings.

Preparations & Traditions of Diwali

Preparations for Diwali begin weeks in advance, creating a festive buzz everywhere.

• Cleaning & Decoration: Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
• Lighting Diyas & Candles: Rows of diyas symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.
• Rangoli Designs: Colorful patterns made from powders, flowers, or rice adorn entrances.
• Gifts & Sweets: Families exchange sweets, dry fruits, and gifts to spread happiness.
• Fireworks & Alternatives: Many celebrate with fireworks, while others opt for eco-friendly lights and celebrations.

Food & Delicacies of Diwali

No festival in India is complete without food, and Diwali is a feast for the senses.

• Popular Sweets: Kaju Katli, Gulab Jamun, Laddoo, Rasgulla, Jalebi, and Barfi.
• Snacks & Savories: Namakpare, Mathri, Chakli, Murukku, and Samosas.
• Annakut Feast: Prepared during Govardhan Puja with more than 56 varieties of food offered to Lord Krishna.

Diwali delicacies are not just about taste—they symbolize love, sharing, and togetherness.

Eco-Friendly Diwali 2025

With growing environmental concerns, many families are embracing green celebrations while keeping traditions alive.

• Use clay diyas instead of plastic or excessive electric lights.
• Make rangoli with natural colors or flowers.
• Prefer eco-friendly crackers or celebrate without fireworks.
• Gift plants, handmade items, or organic products.

These simple steps help protect the environment while preserving the spirit of Diwali.

Diwali Celebrations Across the World

Diwali is celebrated not only in India but also across the globe wherever Indian communities live.

• Nepal: Known as Tihar, where animals like dogs, cows, and crows are honored.
• Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore: Observed with prayers, decorations, and cultural gatherings.
• UK, USA, Canada, Australia: Indian diaspora celebrates with Diwali melas, fireworks, and community feasts.

Diwali has become a global festival of lights, uniting people across cultures and countries.

Fun Facts About Diwali

• The word Diwali means “a row of lamps.”
• Over 1 billion people celebrate Diwali worldwide.
• The festival boosts India’s economy through shopping, sweets, and travel.
• Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, making it a multi-religious festival.

Conclusion

Diwali 2025 will once again arrive as a festival of light, joy, prosperity, and unity—just as it has been for countless generations. From the beginning of Dhanteras to the closing rituals of Bhai Dooj, each tradition reflects deep cultural values, devotion to the divine, and the strengthening of family ties.

Whether one remembers Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, Lord Mahavira’s attainment of Nirvana, or Guru Hargobind Ji’s release and Bandi Chhor Divas, the heart of Diwali carries the same timeless truth: light conquers darkness, and goodness always triumphs over evil.

As homes glow with rows of diyas, the aroma of festive food fills the air, and families come together in celebration, Diwali remains the most loved and awaited festival of lights. Whether you call it Diwali or Deepawali, its spirit is unchanged—honoring joy, harmony, and the promise of fresh beginnings.

FAQs on Diwali 2025