Diwali 2025: History, Significance & How It’s Celebrated Across India

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated and cherished festivals in India, symbolising the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. In 2025, Diwali will be celebrated from Saturday, 18th October to Thursday, 23rd October, with the main day of Lakshmi Puja falling during this period. The festival brings families and communities together in joy, devotion, and festivities, with homes illuminated by diyas (oil lamps), streets decorated with lights, and hearts filled with celebration. Beyond its religious significance, Diwali is also a cultural event, marked by sweets, gifts, prayers, and memorable moments shared with loved ones across India.

A Festival Beyond Boundaries

Though it originated in Hindu traditions, Diwali has reached across borders, transcended religious boundaries, and is celebrated by people with various faiths in India. To Hindus, Diwali is a significant tradition, but to others it’s a festival of lights.

Over the centuries, Diwali has been widely celebrated by Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and many non-Hindu communities.

  • In Jainism, Diwali brings Nirvana (spiritual awakening) through Lord Mahavira.

  • In Sikhism, it honours Bandi Chhor Divas (Day of Liberation), the day Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, was freed from captivity.

  • In Buddhist traditions, it celebrates Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism. He was India’s most influential and renowned ruler.

History & Origins

Diwali’s roots are deeply entwined with Indian mythology and history. In Northern India, it commemorates Lord Rama’s triumphant return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya celebrated by lighting rows of clay lamps, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness. In Southern India, the festival marks Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, celebrating the power of good over evil. Meanwhile, in Western India, Diwali is associated with Lord Vishnu sending the demon king Bali to rule the netherworld, ensuring balance and protection of the heavens and earth. These regional stories together make Diwali a pan-Indian festival of victory, prosperity, and new beginnings.

Significance of Diwali

Diwali signifies the triumph of:

  • Light over darkness

  • Good over evil

  • Knowledge over ignorance

It is also considered a special time to:

  • Worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.

  • Seek blessings from Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

  • Begin new ventures, businesses, or significant projects.

Families come together to decorate their homes, exchange gifts and sweets, light lamps, and strengthen their bonds, fostering peace, prosperity, and celebrating a sense of community.

Rituals & Traditions

  • Cleaning & Decorating Homes: People thoroughly clean their homes and decorate them with diyas (oil lamps), rangoli, and fairy lights to welcome prosperity.

  • Lakshmi Puja: The main ritual, performed to invoke Goddess Lakshmi for wealth, health, and happiness. Offerings include flowers, sweets, and coins.

  • Lighting Diyas & Candles: Homes and streets are illuminated with lamps to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness.

  • Fireworks & Sparklers: Bursting crackers is a popular custom, adding joy and excitement to the celebrations.

  • Exchanging Sweets & Gifts: Friends and family exchange mithai (sweets), gifts, and greetings to strengthen bonds.

  • Feasting: Special festive meals with traditional dishes mark the celebration, enjoyed with family and guests.

  • Community Gatherings: Some regions hold fairs, cultural performances, and group prayers, adding to the festive spirit.

Regional Celebrations Across India

  • Maharashtra: Celebrated as Diwali and Naraka Chaturdashi, people light lamps, perform puja, and enjoy sweets like karanji and chakli. Rangoli designs are common.

  • North India: Focuses on Lakshmi Puja for wealth and prosperity, followed by fireworks, family feasts, and exchanging gifts. Diwali marks the start of the new financial year for many businesses.

  • South India: Celebrates Naraka Chaturdashi to honour Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. People take early morning oil baths, burst crackers, and share festive foods.

  • West Bengal: Known as Kali Puja, worship is offered to Goddess Kali instead of Lakshmi. Homes and streets are decorated with lights, and cultural programs are common.

  • Gujarat & Western India: Communities celebrate with business-related rituals, family gatherings, and vibrant fairs. Dhanteras and Bandi Chhor Divas are also celebrated around Diwali.

  • Punjab & Haryana: People light diyas, perform Lakshmi and Ganesha puja, burst fireworks, and enjoy traditional sweets and snacks with family.

Modern-Day Celebrations

Modern-day Diwali celebrations are a vibrant blend of tradition and festivity. Streets and homes dazzle with colourful fireworks, while people shop for new clothes, jewellery, home décor, and gifts for loved ones. Families gather to perform puja, share festive meals, and exchange sweets, fostering togetherness and joy. Communities also come alive with cultural programs, fairs, and Diwali melas, creating a lively social atmosphere. Homes are beautifully decorated with diyas, rangoli, fairy lights, and flowers, symbolising prosperity and the triumph of light over darkness.

Five Days of Diwali Festivities

The celebrations last for five days, each with its unique significance and traditions:

Dhanteras

People best engage in cleaning their homes, and shop for gold, silver, and kitchen utensils that are believed to bring good fortune to their homes, shops, and into their lives.

Choti Diwali / Narak Chaturdashi

The second day, clay lamps are lit, and people create patterns called rangoli on the floor using colored powders or sand. This day commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura (the devil).

Diwali / Deepavali

It is the main day of celebration when festivities begin with the Lakshmi Puja. Today, families pray for wealth, health, and prosperity. It is followed by feasts and firework displays.

Govardhan Puja / Annakut (22 October 2025)

This month is marked as the first month of the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated as the beginning of the New Year in some states of India. On this occasion, people visit each other, friends and families exchange gifts, and share festive wishes to maintain healthy bonds.

Bhai Dooj

The very last day of the Diwali celebration honours a sacred bond of siblings. Brothers visit their married sisters and get a warm welcome with love, gifts, and a lavish meal.

Saving Tips for Diwali 2025

Here are smart saving tips for Diwali 2025 in points:

  • Affordable Decorations: Use budget-friendly dĂ©cor items or DIY decorations at home to save costs.

  • Eco-Friendly Diyas: Opt for clay or reusable diyas instead of expensive or non-biodegradable options.

  • Homemade Sweets: Prepare sweets at home or buy in bulk to cut down expenses.

  • Gift Shopping Smartly: Look for festival offers, online discounts, and combo deals on gifts.

  • Clothes & Accessories: Restyle existing outfits or buy from sales to save money.

  • Use Saving Platforms: Check Saving Says IN for curated deals, coupons, and tips.

  • Community Sharing: Pool decorations, sweets, or gifts with family or neighbours to reduce costs.

This way, you can celebrate Diwali with full spirit while keeping your budget intact.

Conclusion

Diwali 2025 is a festival that beautifully blends devotion, family bonding, and cultural celebration across India. From lighting diyas and performing pujas to sharing sweets and enjoying fireworks, it brings joy and togetherness to every home. By following smart saving tips like DIY decorations, homemade sweets, and using platforms such as Saving Says IN for deals, you can celebrate the festival in style without overspending. This way, the lights of Diwali shine brighter, spreading happiness and prosperity while keeping your budget in check.

Frequently Ask Questions

Q. When is Diwali celebrated in 2025?

In 2025, Diwali (Deepavali) will be celebrated on Monday, 20th October 2025, though dates may vary slightly based on the lunar calendar.

Q. Why is Diwali called the Festival of Lights?

Diwali is called the Festival of Lights because people light clay lamps (diyas) outside their homes, symbolising light over darkness and good over evil.

Q. Do non-Hindus also celebrate Diwali?

Yes, Diwali is celebrated by Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and people of many other faiths. Each community gives the festival its special meaning.

Q. How can I save money while shopping for Diwali 2025?

You can find discounts, deals, and promo codes on clothes, gifts, decorations, and sweets through platforms like Saving Says IN. Checking for Diwali-specific coupons in advance can help you celebrate the festival joyfully while staying within budget.

Q. What are the five days of Diwali?

The five days are Dhanteras, Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi), Diwali (Lakshmi Puja), Govardhan Puja/Annakut, and Bhai Dooj, each with unique rituals.

Q. What traditions are followed during Diwali?

Families clean and decorate homes, light diyas, make rangoli, worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, exchange sweets and gifts, and enjoy fireworks.