What is the Significance of Five Days of Diwali?

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most joyful and loved festivals in India. It fills every home with happiness, unity, and positive energy. Celebrated for five days, each day has a special meaning — from praying for wealth and health to showing love and thankfulness. Together, these days represent light, hope, and fresh beginnings for all.

Diwali 2025 Calendar

Here are the five important days of Diwali celebrations in 2025:

• October 18: Dhanteras
• October 20: Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi)
• October 20: Diwali and Lakshmi Puja
• October 22: Govardhan Puja
• October 23: Bhai Dooj

Five Days of Diwali and Their Significance

Diwali is a festival of five days and each day hold a special significance:

• Dhanteras: Begins the festival by welcoming wealth and prosperity.
• Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi): Reminds us to remove negativity and darkness.
• Diwali: The main day, celebrating light, goodness, and Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya.
• Govardhan Puja: Teaches gratitude towards nature and faith in God.
• Bhai Dooj: Marks the loving bond between brothers and sisters, ending the festival with affection.

Day 1 – Dhanteras

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali celebrations. The word “Dhan” means wealth, and “Teras” refers to the 13th day of the lunar month.
On this day, people worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber, the god of wealth, for prosperity and good fortune. It’s also considered very lucky to buy gold, silver, or new utensils on this day.

Significance: Dhanteras reminds people to value health, wealth, and positive beginnings. It is the perfect time to start something new with blessings.

Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdashi

The second day, called Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, is celebrated to remember Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. This symbolizes the removal of evil and negativity from life.
People wake up early, take an oil bath, clean their homes, and light diyas to bring brightness and purity.

Significance: This day encourages everyone to let go of negativity, purify their surroundings, and prepare for the main Diwali celebration.

Day 3 –  Diwali

The third day is the main Diwali festival, the most joyful and awaited day of all. It celebrates the return of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lakshman to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and victory over Ravana.
In the evening, families perform Lakshmi and Ganesh Puja, decorate their homes with lamps and candles, and burst firecrackers to celebrate the occasion.

Significance: Diwali night symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and invites peace, prosperity, and happiness into our lives.

Day 4 – Govardhan Puja

The fourth day is celebrated as Govardhan Puja or Annakut. It marks the day when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Gokul from heavy rains sent by Lord Indra.
People prepare a variety of vegetarian dishes and offer them to Lord Krishna as a symbol of gratitude for his protection.

Significance: This day teaches the importance of thankfulness, faith, and respect for nature, reminding us that divine strength always protects those who believe.

Day 5 – Bhai Dooj

The final day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj, which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform a tilak ceremony for their brothers and pray for their long life, while brothers give gifts in return and promise to protect their sisters.

Significance: Bhai Dooj strengthens the family bond and reminds everyone of the love, trust, and support shared between siblings.