What is Diwali?
Diwali, also called Deepawali, is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals in India. The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means a row of lights. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
Hindus celebrate Diwali in honor of Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, during which he defeated the demon king Ravan...
What is Diwali?
Diwali, also called Deepawali, is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals in India. The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means a row of lights. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
Hindus celebrate Diwali in honor of Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, during which he defeated the demon king Ravana. People lit diyas (earthen lamps) to welcome him, and since then, Diwali has been celebrated as a festival of lights.
How is Diwali Celebrated?
Diwali is a festival of joy, family, and togetherness. Homes and workplaces are decorated with lights, diyas, candles, and rangoli. People wear new clothes, prepare delicious sweets and delicacies, exchange gifts, and burst firecrackers as part of the celebrations.
It is also the start of the financial new year for many Indian businesses. The festival brings positivity, prosperity, and harmony, lighting up hearts and minds.
Diwali 2025 Dates & Timings
• Diwali / Lakshmi Pooja: Monday, 20 October 2025
o Best time for Lakshmi Pooja: 07:08 PM – 08:18 PM IST
• Govardhan Pooja: Wednesday, 22 October 2025
o Best time: 06:43 AM – 08:52 AM IST
• Bhai Dooj: Thursday, 23 October 2025
Warm Diwali Wishes for 2025:
• May this Diwali bring happiness, health, and prosperity into your life.
• May the lights of Diwali remove darkness and fill your life with joy.
• Wishing you and your family a safe, happy, and peaceful Diwali.
Five-Day Celebration of Diwali
Diwali is celebrated over five days, each with its own significance:
Dhanteras – People buy gold, silver, and utensils, symbolizing wealth and good fortune.
Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) – Homes are cleaned and decorated. It commemorates Lord Krishna defeating the demon Narakasur.
Diwali / Lakshmi Pooja – The main day of Diwali; people worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and wealth, enjoy traditional sweets, and exchange gifts.
Govardhan Pooja – Devotees worship Lord Krishna and create miniatures of Govardhan mountain to offer prayers, celebrating Krishna’s protection of Mathura from Indra’s wrath.
Bhai Dooj – Sisters apply tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and give them sweets and gifts. Brothers reciprocate with gifts, strengthening family bonds.
Stories & Legends Behind Diwali
Northern India: Celebrates Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya and victory over Ravana.
Lakshmi Puja: Worship of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity; also marks her marriage to Lord Vishnu.
Southern India: Commemorates Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar rescuing Goddess Lakshmi from King Bali.
Mahabharata: Panch Pandavas’ return from exile; people lit diyas and celebrated.
Jainism: Marks Lord Mahaveera’s attainment of Nirvana.
West Bengal: Celebrates Goddess Kali’s victory over demons.
Sikhism: Marks the laying of the Golden Temple’s foundation and the release of Guru Hargobind from captivity.
Significance of Diwali
Diwali symbolizes:
• Triumph of good over evil
• Victory of light over darkness
• Enlightenment and removal of ignorance
• Love, peace, joy, and unity among people
The festival encourages brotherhood, humanity, and positivity, igniting the divine light within everyone.
