Diwali: India’s Festival of Lights
Celebrate Light, Joy, and New Beginnings
Every autumn, India transforms into a glowing spectacle of lights, colour, and celebration. Streets shimmer with thousands of diyas, markets buzz with excitement, and homes come alive with decorations, sweets, and laughter. This is Diwali, the Festival of Lights—a celebration that captures the essence of India’s cultural heritage and brings people together in joy and reflection.
Diwali marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, commemorating Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile and his triumph over the demon king Ravana. Today, it is a festival that transcends religion, uniting families, communities, and travellers from around the world in a shared experience of warmth and wonder.
When and Where to Celebrate Diwali
When is Diwali 2025?
In 2025, Diwali (Lakshmi Puja—the main day of the Festival of Lights) falls on Tuesday, October 21. The five-day Diwali festival takes place from Saturday, 18 October, to Thursday, 23 October.
Where is Diwali Celebrated in India?
Diwali is celebrated across India, with some destinations offering unique experiences:
- Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: Witness the city illuminated with thousands of lamps along the ghats.
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: The ghats of Dashashwamedh glow with devotion and tradition.
- Mysore, Karnataka: The Mysore Palace dazzles with spectacular light displays.
- Udaipur, Rajasthan: Lake Pichola reflects the brilliance of fireworks and decorations.
- Jaipur, Rajasthan: Johri Bazar offers a vibrant shopping and festive experience.
- Delhi: Dilli Haat and local markets come alive with crafts, sweets, and lights.
The Five Days of Diwali
Diwali unfolds over five days, each with its own traditions and celebrations:
Day 1 – Dhanteras
Homes are cleaned and decorated to welcome prosperity. Families make auspicious purchases of gold, silver, or new utensils, and markets are alive with bustling shoppers and festive energy.
Day 2 – Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi)
Diyas and candles light up homes and streets. Rangoli, intricate patterns made from coloured powders, adorn doorsteps, inviting good fortune and happiness.
Day 3 – Lakshmi Puja (Diwali)
This is the spiritual heart of Diwali. Families worship Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and Lord Ganesha for wisdom, lighting diyas and offering prayers in a display of devotion and hope.
Day 4 – Govardhan Puja (Family Gatherings and Gift Exchanges)
Diwali is about togetherness. Families exchange gifts and sweets, share meals, and enjoy music, dance, and laughter. The festive spirit is contagious, drawing communities closer.
Day 5 – Bhai Dooj
The final day celebrates the bond between siblings. Brothers and sisters exchange gifts and blessings, reaffirming love and family ties.
Experience the Lights, Fireworks and Sounds
Walk through any city or village during Diwali, and the sight is unforgettable. Oil lamps glow on rooftops, streets twinkle with lights, and temples radiate golden warmth. As night falls, the sky bursts with fireworks, creating a dazzling spectacle that fills hearts with awe. The festival is a visual and emotional experience, one that lingers in memory long after the last firework fades.
Taste the Flavours of Diwali
No Diwali is complete without its culinary delights. From sweets like Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, and Ladoo to savoury treats like Samosas, Chakli, and Biryani, the festival offers a true taste of India. Sharing meals with family or friends is part of the experience, reflecting the warmth and hospitality that define the celebrations.
A Celebration of Deities
Diwali is as much about devotion as it is about celebration. Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, play central roles in the festivities. Their blessings are sought for a successful year ahead, making Diwali both a joyous and spiritual occasion.
Diwali Beyond Religion
While rooted in Hindu traditions, Diwali is celebrated across communities:
- Jains honour Lord Mahavira’s nirvana.
- Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, marking Guru Har Gobind Ji’s release.
- Buddhists embrace the universal spirit of light and renewal.
This inclusivity reflects the festival’s universal message of hope, goodness, and unity.
Diwali Around the World
Diwali’s charm is not limited to India. Diwali is celebrated globally by over a billion people. Historical travellers such as Al Biruni and Niccolò de’ Conti documented the festival centuries ago, describing homes lit with oil lamps, families in new clothes, and celebrations filled with music, dance, and feasting. Today, the festival continues to light up hearts and skies, whether in India or abroad.
Experience Diwali Yourself
From glowing lamps to firework-lit skies, from the scent of sweets to heartfelt prayers, Diwali is a festival of sensory delight. It is a time to create memories, strengthen bonds, and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. Witness Diwali firsthand and immerse yourself in the warmth, colour, and joy of India’s most radiant festival.
