Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is India’s most widely celebrated festival, marking the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This year, Diwali falls on Friday, November 1, 2025, bringing families and communities together across the country. The five-day festival is rich in traditions, with each day holding its own significance and rituals. The celebration kicks off with Dhanteras on October 29, 2025, and concludes with Bhaiya Dooj on November 3, 2025. Diwali is not only a time of joy, but also an occasion for spiritual reflection, rituals, and festive gatherings. The central day of the Diwali celebration is Lakshmi Puja, which is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is observed on Friday, November 1, 2025.
Diwali 2025
On this day, families across India light oil lamps, clean their homes, and perform various pujas to welcome prosperity into their lives. Businesses also participate in this day’s rituals to ensure success in their endeavors in the coming year. While Diwali has a traditional significance, it is also a time to reconnect with loved ones and spread happiness. The festival also includes other important days like Govardhan Puja and Bhaiya Dooj, which symbolize unity, faith, and the special bond between brothers and sisters. Whether it’s the sweet offerings or the sparkling diyas, Diwali is a celebration that brings together the sacred and the joyous in every home. Below is a breakdown of the key dates, rituals, and traditions associated with Diwali 2025.
Key Diwali Dates and Events
| Event | Day/Date |
| Govatsa Dwadashi | Monday, October 28, 2025 |
| Dhantrayodashi / Dhanteras | Tuesday, October 29, 2025 |
| Kali Chaudas | Wednesday, October 30, 2025 |
| Abhyang Snan | Thursday, October 31, 2025 |
| Lakshmi Puja / Diwali | Friday, November 1, 2025 |
| Govardhan Puja / Annakut | Saturday, November 2, 2025 |
| Bhaiya Dooj / Bhau Beej | Sunday, November 3, 2025 |
Diwali Rituals
| Ritual | Purpose |
| Lakshmi Puja | Worship of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity |
| Ganesha Puja | Invoking Lord Ganesha for removing obstacles |
| Diwali Snan | Ritual cleansing and preparation for the festival |
| Deepa Lighting (Diya Lighting) | To drive away darkness and invite light |
Significance of Diwali
| Key Deity | Significance |
| Goddess Lakshmi | Goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune |
| Lord Ganesha | Remover of obstacles and harbinger of good fortune |
| Lord Kuber | God of wealth |
| Goddess Saraswati | Goddess of knowledge and wisdom |
Diwali Festivities by Region
| Region | Celebration |
| Maharashtra | Starts with Govatsa Dwadashi and includes traditional celebrations like Pujas and animal worship |
| Gujarat | Begins with Agyaras and ends with Labh Panchami |
| South India | Celebrates with unique traditions such as Diwali Snan and rituals |
Traditions and Customs
| Day | Custom |
| Dhanteras | Buying new metal items or jewelry to welcome prosperity |
| Kali Chaudas | Worshipping Lord Hanuman and other deities for protection |
| Lakshmi Puja | Lighting diyas and offering sweets and flowers to Goddess Lakshmi |
| Bhaiya Dooj | Celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters |
Key Items Used in Diwali Rituals
| Item | Purpose |
| Oil Lamps (Diya) | Symbol of light, guiding the way for prosperity |
| Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) | Purification of the environment and invoking blessings |
| Sweets (Mithai) | Offering to deities and sharing joy with loved ones |
| Coins or Gold | Symbolizing wealth and good fortune |
Diwali Preparations
| Task | Details |
| House Cleaning | To make space for the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi |
| Rangoli Decoration | Art created on the floor using colored powders, flowers, and rice |
| Firecracker Display | To celebrate the victory of good over evil and the arrival of light |
Diwali Traditions in Business
| Activity | Details |
| Chopda Puja | Worship of books, accounting ledgers, and tools to ensure business prosperity |
| New Accounting Year | Many businesses start their new financial year with the blessings of Diwali |
| Diwali Gifts for Employees | Businesses often distribute gifts or bonuses to employees as a gesture of goodwill |
Historical and Cultural Significance
| Event | Historical Importance |
| Return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya | Celebrated as the return of Lord Rama after his 14-year exile, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil |
| Lord Krishna and Govardhan | Govardhan Puja commemorates Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from floods |
Regional Variations
| State | Unique Traditions |
| Uttar Pradesh | Celebrates with the grandeur of Ramlila and lighting of diyas |
| Punjab | Diwali is also celebrated as the day Guru Hargobind Ji was released from imprisonment |
| Bengal | Kali Puja, dedicated to Goddess Kali, is celebrated alongside Diwali |
Celebratory Foods
| Food Item | Details |
| Sweets (Laddoo, Barfi) | Popular treats exchanged during Diwali festivities |
| Savory Snacks (Namkeen) | Served during family gatherings and Diwali parties |
| Special Meals (Puri, Halwa) | Traditional dishes that are part of Diwali celebrations |
Fireworks and Entertainment
| Event | Details |
| Firecracker Display | Represents the victory of light over darkness |
| Cultural Performances | Music, dance, and theatrical performances often accompany the festivities |
Diwali’s Influence on the Economy
| Sector | Impact |
| Retail and Shopping | Significant boost in sales due to festive shopping habits |
| Gold and Jewelry Sales | High demand for gold, silver, and jewelry purchases |
| Online Shopping | Surge in online sales as families prepare for the festival |
Diwali Summary
Diwali 2025 is a celebration of light, prosperity, and spiritual reflection. The five-day festival, with its various rituals and traditions, brings families together and encourages the sharing of happiness. While each day has its own importance, Lakshmi Puja on November 1, 2025, is the most significant day when families seek blessings for wealth and well-being. With preparations ranging from home cleaning and Rangoli decoration to lighting diyas and bursting fireworks, Diwali continues to be a vibrant and deeply spiritual festival in India.