Diwali 2025: Know Date, Time, History and Significance

The glow of thousands of diyas, the aroma of sweets, and the sound of laughter — that’s Diwali! More than just a festival, Diwali (Deepavali) is a feeling that brings families together, spreads love, and lights up the world with happiness and hope.

Every year, millions celebrate Diwali to mark the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. It’s a festival that reminds us to embrace positivity and spread joy in every direction.

What is Diwali 2025 and Wy do We Celebrate It?

The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit term Deepavali, meaning “a row of lights.” On this day, homes, streets, and temples shine brightly with lamps (diyas) and colorful decorations, symbolizing happiness, purity, and the triumph of light.

Diwali teaches us to remove darkness from within — negativity, anger, and ego — and welcome peace, kindness, and wisdom. Across India, the stories behind Diwali may differ, but the message is always the same: hope, renewal, and victory of righteousness.

Diwali 2025: Date and Timings

• Diwali Date: Monday, October 20, 2025
• Lakshmi Puja Time: 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM (IST)
• Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Pradosh Kaal: 5:46 PM to 8:18 PM
• Vrishabha Kaal: 7:08 PM to 9:03 PM
• Amavasya Tithi: Begins 3:44 PM (Oct 20) and ends 5:54 PM (Oct 21)

This period is considered the most auspicious time for performing Lakshmi Puja, welcoming prosperity and peace into one’s home.

The Stories Behind Diwali

• The Return of Lord Rama: The most popular story comes from the Ramayana. After defeating the demon king Ravana, Lord Rama, along with Mata Sita and Lakshmana, returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The people lit rows of diyas to celebrate their return — symbolizing the victory of truth and righteousness.
• The Birth of Goddess Lakshmi: According to another tale, Goddess Lakshmi — the goddess of wealth — emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan (the churning of the cosmic ocean). Hence, people worship her during Diwali to invite prosperity and fortune.
• Lord Krishna and Narakasura: In South India, Diwali marks Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi. It represents the triumph of good over evil.

Diwali Rituals and Traditions

Diwali Puja begins by cleaning and decorating homes, symbolizing purification of the heart and mind. Idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are placed on a red cloth. Devotees then offer flowers, sweets, and diyas, followed by Aarti, filling the home with divine energy.

Common traditions include:

• Lighting diyas to remove darkness and attract positivity
• Wearing new clothes to mark fresh beginnings
• Sharing sweets and gifts to spread happiness
• Decorating doorways with rangolis and torans

How India Celebrates Diwali?

• North India: Temples and homes are filled with lights and sweets like laddoos and barfis.
• South India: Celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, honoring Lord Krishna.
• Maharashtra: Families prepare special festive snacks called Faral.
• West Bengal: The day coincides with Kali Puja, worshipping Goddess Kali.

Across the country, Diwali spreads one message — joy, peace, and unity.

Spiritual and Astrological Significance

Spiritually, Diwali reminds us to replace darkness with light — ignorance with wisdom and hatred with love. Each diya lit represents the light of knowledge and self-awareness within us.

Astrologically, Diwali falls on Amavasya (new moon) in the month of Kartik, considered an auspicious time for new beginnings. The planetary positions during this period are believed to enhance prosperity and success.