Imagine a festival that lights up not just the streets, but also our hearts and homes, a celebration that brings families together and fills the air with joy, laughter, and the crackle of fireworks. This is Diwali, the most significant and eagerly awaited festival in India. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, has created many memories and stories from our childhoods, making it a beloved tradition passed down through generations. It is celebrated in the month of Kartik according to the Hindu Lunisolar calendar and falls in October – November.
Why Diwali is Celebrated
The origins of Diwali are rooted in various scriptures, with the most popular one being the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, defeated the demon king Ravana and returned to Ayodhya. The people of Ayodhya welcomed them by lighting oil lamps (diyas) to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. This tradition has continued over the centuries, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the ushering in of prosperity and happiness.
Apart from the story of Lord Rama, Diwali also has significance in other traditions. In some regions, it is believed to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, while in others, it marks the day Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). For the Sikh community, Diwali is the day Guru Hargobind Ji was released from imprisonment, and for Jains, it is the day Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates the victory of good over evil. While it has various legends and Diwali traditions within Hinduism, it is widely celebrated across different cultures and religions. Known for its vibrant and inclusive festivities, Diwali is a universal celebration of light, joy, and cultural diversity.
Diwali – The Five Days
In 2025, Diwali Day (Lakshmi Puja) is on Tuesday, October 21. The festival actually spans five days, each with its own name and rituals:
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Dhanteras (Saturday, October 18): The festivities begin two days before Diwali. People clean and prepare their homes, buy gold or new utensils, and pray for health and prosperity.
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Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) (Monday, October 20): This day commemorates Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. Traditions include taking a ritual oil bath at dawn and starting Diwali decorations.
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Lakshmi Puja (Tuesday, October 21): The main Diwali night. Families dress in new clothes, light lamps and candles, and perform an evening puja to Lakshmi for wealth and well-being. Fireworks are common, and people exchange sweets and gifts.
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Govardhan Puja (Wednesday, October 22): In many regions, especially North India and Gujarat, this day honours Lord Krishna’s lifting of Govardhan Hill. Food offerings and continued celebrations mark the day.
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Bhai Dooj (Thursday, October 23): Brothers visit their married sisters, who perform a tikka ceremony praying for their brothers’ long life. Siblings exchange gifts and blessings.
These days, strengthen family and community bonds through rituals, prayers, and joy.
Diwali Celebrations
How Diwali is Celebrated across India
Diwali is celebrated differently across various regions of India, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity:
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North India: Diwali is predominantly associated with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. The entire region lights up with diyas, and grand fairs and events are organized. In cities like Varanasi, the ghats are beautifully illuminated, and Ganga Aarti is performed.
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South India: In Tamil Nadu, Diwali is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, commemorating Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. People take an oil bath before sunrise and burst crackers. In Karnataka, Deepavali Amavasya is dedicated to honouring ancestors with special prayers and Diwali rituals.
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West India: In Gujarat, Diwali marks the beginning of the new year. Homes and businesses are thoroughly cleaned and adorned with torans (door hangings). The worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha is an integral part of the celebrations.
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Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, Diwali is a four-day celebration starting with Vasubaras, where cows and calves are honoured with an Aarti. On the second day, Dhanteras follows traditional observances. On Narakchaturdashi, the third day, people take an early oil bath, visit temples, and enjoy a feast called Faral, with sweets like karanji and spicy snacks like chakli. The main day, Lakshmi Puja, involves worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and wealth items in every home.
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East India: In West Bengal, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, which is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Homes are illuminated with lamps, and offerings are made to the goddess. In Odisha, people light jute sticks and burst crackers as part of the celebrations.
Feasting and Sweets
Food plays a central role in Diwali. Traditional sweets like laddus, jalebi, rasgulla, and barfi are prepared in abundance, along with savoury snacks like samosas and pakoras. Neighbours and relatives exchange platters of sweets and dry fruits as a sign of goodwill. Big family feasts and gift-giving strengthen community bonds and symbolize love and prosperity.
Lights and Fireworks
Fireworks and sparklers are a beloved Diwali tradition, lighting up the night sky and symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. Families set off colourful rockets and sparkler fountains. In recent years, many communities emphasize safety and eco-friendliness, opting for quieter fireworks or LED sparklers. Floating diyas on water and hanging lanterns outside further illuminate the festive spirit.
Rituals on Diwali
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Clean and decorate your house before the special day, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes that are spotless and beautifully illuminated.
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Take an oil bath before sunrise, which is believed to cleanse away negative traits such as ego and jealousy, preparing you for the auspicious day.
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After the bath, wear new clothes and light oil lamps around your home to invite prosperity and positive energy.
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Perform a puja (worship) to Goddess Lakshmi, seeking her divine blessings for wealth, success, and well-being.
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Following the puja, celebrate by bursting firecrackers, a vibrant and traditional aspect of Diwali that adds to the joyous atmosphere.
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Share sweets and gifts with your neighbours and relatives, as Diwali is a time for spreading joy, fostering connections, and exchanging heartfelt tokens of love.
Diwali in 2025 and the Modern World
In 2025, Diwali will be celebrated across India from October 18 through October 23. Urban families often start preparations weeks in advance, shopping for gifts, sweets, and new clothes. Indian communities worldwide celebrate Diwali with events in cities like London and Singapore, and it is a public holiday in countries including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Fiji, and Mauritius.
Today’s celebrations blend tradition with modern trends. Homes are brightly lit with oil lamps, fairy lights, and LED decorations. Families host parties or virtual gatherings, keeping the spirit alive even when loved ones are far away. The glow of candles, diyas, and fireworks spreads a radiant message: hope, happiness, and the triumph of light have arrived.
Celebrate this Diwali with your family and friends, embracing the spirit of light, joy, and the triumph of good over evil. Share the love, joy, and warmth of this beautiful Festival of Lights with your loved ones. At Om Spiritual Shop, we wish you a prosperous, joyous, and safe Diwali.
