Festival of Lights: Happy Diwali 2025

Light the lamp of love in your heart. Light the flame of wisdom in your mind. Light the constant candle of faith in your resolve. Light the fire of strength that exists within you, waiting. It’s time for Divali. -Divya Prabha

In the Vedic Calendar, the new moon connected to the weakened Sun in Libra marks one of the darkest parts of the year when the light seems to be extinguished and depression and fear can reign. The ancients knew how to counteract this energy with festivals and bringing more light; That is why we have the wonderful festival of Diwali to cheer us up and lift us out of the darkness.

This year, Diwali celebrations span five holy days from October 18 to October 22, 2025. The Sun reaches its deepest weakening point at 10 degrees Libra on October 27, and the most important Lakshmi Puja will be performed on Monday, October 20 during the new moon, the darkest night when we light candles to illuminate the darkest part of the year.

The five days of celebration

Since the beginning of autumn, people begin to prepare to celebrate the festival. Each day has its own special meaning and sacred calendar:

Day 1: Dhanteras (Saturday, October 18) – The Festival of Wealth begins with lamps ritually kept lit throughout the night in honor of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of medicine and health, and Goddess Lakshmi. This is the most favorable day to buy gold, silver or utensils, since it is believed that these acquisitions bring prosperity.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi/Choti Diwali (Sunday, October 19) – Early morning begins with the pre-dawn Abhyang Snan (sacred oil bath) ritual, which commemorates Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Houses are decorated with colorful floor patterns called Rangoli, and women adorn their hands with intricate henna designs.

Day 3: Main Diwali – Deepavali (Monday, October 20) – The pinnacle of celebrations when we worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and Kuber. Relatives, family and friends recognize important relationships by exchanging gifts and sweets. Diyas are lit in every home, transforming darkness into a sea of light. This is the most auspicious day to start new ventures as the goddess blesses your new desires and actions.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja/Annakut (Tuesday, October 21) – This day, which celebrates Krishna’s raising of Govardhan Hill to protect devotees, features large offerings of food (Annakut) at temples, representing gratitude and abundance.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj/Yama Dwitiya (Wednesday, October 22) – The festivities conclude with the sisters applying tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and exchanging gifts, celebrating the sacred bond between siblings.

The spiritual meaning

People worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, along with Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles, and Kuber, the treasurer of wealth. Before Diwali night, families clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices. They dress in new clothes, light lamps and candles and participate in pujas worshiping these deities.

After the puja, fireworks follow and then a family feast that includes the exchange of sweets and gifts among family, friends and loved ones. For many businessmen, Monday, October 20, is also the day when they begin a new financial year by adopting a new ‘bahi khata’ or account book, after offering it to goddess Lakshmi. They believe that with your blessings it will be a profitable year for them.

Ancient roots and mythology

The festival is mentioned in Sanskrit scriptures like Skanda Purana and Padma Purana. Diyas or small lamps are said to symbolize parts of the sun – the cosmic light and the giver of energy to all.

According to popular mythology, Diwali is associated with Yama and Nachiketa on Karthik Amavasya, the new moon night of Diwali. This story is revered throughout the centuries for being about good versus evil, true wealth and knowledge. That is why people celebrate Diwali as the Festival of Light, which means knowledge, prosperity and wisdom.

Mythology varies according to region and tradition:

Many celebrate Diwali in memory of the return of Rama and Sita after 14 years of exile
Others honor it as the return of the Pandavas after 12 years of vanvas and one year of agyatvas.
In southern India, Naraka Chaturdashi commemorates Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura
Govardhan Puja remembers Krishna’s protection of people from Indra’s wrath

In a Sanskrit work from the 7th century, King Harsha mentions “Deepapratipadutsava”, when lamps are lit and gifts are given to newlywed couples, in remembrance of the marriage of the god Vishnu and the goddess Lakshmi. In the 9th century, Rajasekhara referred to “Deepavali” as “Dipamalika”, describing the tradition of cleaning houses and decorating streets and markets with lights at night.

A time for inner light

As we move forward into this five-day festival of lights from October 18 to 22, remember that Diwali is more than an external celebration – it is about igniting the inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness. At this time when the light outside seems most diminished, we are called to discover and nurture the eternal flame within ourselves.

Each of the five days offers its own opportunity for transformation: