Diwali (Deepavali) in 2025

Diwali, also known as Deepawali/Deepavali, is a Hindu religious festival celebrated as a ''festival of lights'' to symbolise the victory of the forces of light (or good) over darkness (or evil). It is celebrated every year across multiple states in India, but especially in northern, western, and eastern India.   

In the year 2025, Diwali falls on 21st October which is a Monday. This date is determined by the Hindu lunisolar calendar, falling in the months of Ashvin and Kartika, which is usually around mid-September to mid-November in the Gregorian calendar.  

The Diwali festival usually lasts for five days, including the festivals of Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Govardhan Pooja, and Bhai Dooj. It is a vibrant celebration among families and friends with fireworks, colorful clothes, sweets, feasts, and gifts. 

Holiday

Date

Day

Diwali/Deepavali

20th October to 22nd October 2025

Monday to Wednesday

List of Puja to be Performed During Diwali

Given below are the puja which are to be performed during Diwali:

Puja Celebrated

On the Occasion of

Dhanteras

Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi

Choti Diwali

Lord Krishna Killing Narakasura

Diwali

Lord Rama Killing Ravana

Govardhana Puja

Lord Krishna Lifted Govardhana Mountain

Bhai Dooj

Similar as Raksha Bandhan

Diwali

Dhanteras - On the occasion of Dhanteras, people worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber. Apart from this, it is also considered to be auspicious if you purchase gold, silver or any other metal on this day. 

Choti Diwali or Narak ChaturdashiAs per Hindu mythology, it is believed that on this day, Lord Krishna fought with Narakasura and killed him. 

Diwali On this day, people perform Lakshmi Puja at their home. On this day, the main Diwali festival takes place, and after killing Ravana, Lord Rama made his way back to Ayodhya. The goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, is welcomed by the people because she is thought to bestow luck and prosperity. 

Govardhan PujaA Day after Diwali, people celebrate Govardhan Puja, a day dedicated to worshipping Lord Krishna. People believe that Lord Krishna lifted the mountain known as "Govardhan" to protect the citizens of Mathura from Lord Indra. 

Bhai DoojOn Bhai Dooj, people celebrate the strong bond between brothers and sisters. Similar to Raksha Bandhan, it is observed on the second day of the lunar calendar's Shukla Paksha.  

Significance of Diwali or Deepavali

During the festival of Diwali, people light up their homes and commercial outlets. Lord Ganesh is worshipped for prosperity and welfare whereas Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for wisdom and wealth. The festival usually falls in the months of November or October and is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of exile. In many parts of the country, the festival is celebrated for five consecutive days. Undoubtedly, it is the most famous Indian festival, which is regarded as a celebration of life. In a few parts of the country, the festival denotes the beginning of the New Year. Deepavali is a five-day festival that goes as mentioned below:

  1. The first day denotes the arrival of the new financial year for most Indian businesses. The business class worships Goddess Lakshmi for wealth.
  2. The second day is the day of cleansing. People take oil baths and wear new clothes.
  3. The third day is the day of the new moon. It is the official day of the Deepavali holiday.
  4. The fourth day is the Kartika Shudda Padyami.
  5. The fifth day, the final day of the festival, denotes the love between sisters and brothers.

How is Deepavali/Diwali Celebrated?

Diwali

As mentioned earlier, the celebration of the festival lasts for up to five days. Houses and shops will be cleaned and decorated with small clay lamps lit with oil or with electric lights. People exchange sweets. Fairs will be organised in many villages and towns.

The festival is celebrated on different dates in various regions of the country since traditional lunar calendars may be interpreted in various ways. For instance, in Tamil Nadu, people celebrate Deepavali in Aippasi, a Tamil month.

Public Life During Diwali Holidays

On the festival day, banks, post offices, and government offices will remain closed. Commercial outlets may be closed or have reduced working hours. Transport remains unaffected.

Symbols of the Festival of Lights

The most important symbols of the festival include electric lights and tiny oil lamps made of clay. They replicate both spiritual and physical elements of light.

Top 5 Destinations in India to Spend During Diwali

If you are planning a trip during Deepavali holidays in 2025, consider the following top five Indian destinations that bring out the best of the festival:

Jaipur - Jaipur is the most renowned destination to be visited during Diwali holidays every year. The real beauty of Deepavali stems from the warm glow of lamps and lights that decorate homes, shops, and streets. Jaipur, the Pink City, is the best place to experience this. Every year, competitions are organised for decorating the streets of the city.

Goa - Goa, the smallest Indian state, is famous for Diwali celebrations as well. The focus of celebrations will be on the destruction of the demon Narakasura. In every city and village, competitions are organised to see who can make the largest figurine of the demon. Since gambling is also a famous Diwali activity, you can try your luck at casinos.

Varanasi - Varanasi is a lovely Indian destination to spend Diwali holidays for the year 2025. Make sure you stay at one of the riverside restaurants in the city of Varanasi to experience the real beauty of the festival. The main highlights of the festival include special Ganga Aarti and earthen lamps.

Kolkata - While many people worship Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali, the main day of the festival is celebrated as Kali Puja in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal. Many devotees across the country visit Belur Math, Kalighat, and Dakshineswar, which are the Kali temples in the city.

Delhi - Delhi, the capital city of India, is famous for shopping during Diwali holidays. Dilli Haat organises a well-known Diwali Bazaar. If you are interested in unique handicrafts, Delhi should be visited to spend during Diwali holidays 2025.

Diwali Celebration for Upcoming Years (2026 - 2028)

Diwali Festival

Date

Day

Diwali in  2026

08 November 2026

Sunday

Diwali in 2027

29 October 2027

Friday

Diwali in 2028

17 October 2028

Tuesday

FAQs on Diwali Holidays

  • What are the five days of Diwali in India?

    The five days of Diwali in India are Dhanteras, Kali chaudas, Diwali, Govardhan puja and Bhai dooj. 

  • Will banks remain closed on the eve of Diwali?

    The banks will remain closed across India on the eve of Diwali except Hyderabad, Imphal and Gangtok. 

  • Is Diwali celebrated on the same date every year?

    No, Diwali is celebrated on a different date every year. 

  • Is Diwali celebrated in Canada?

    Yes, Diwali is celebrated in Canada as well. 

  • What does Diwali signify?

    Diwali signifies victory of light over darkness.

  • Which deity is worshipped during Diwali puja?

    Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped during Diwali

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