Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated across India to mark the victory of good over evil. Observed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists, it spans five days with rituals like Dhanteras, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Pooja, and Bhai Dooj. Homes are cleaned and decorated with diyas, Rangoli, and lights to welcome prosperity and spiritual awakening. Diwali fosters family togetherness, cultural harmony, and acts of kindness, while honoring ancient legends, traditions, and the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
What is Diwali 2025? It’s India’s festival of lights, celebrated with rituals, sweets, and fireworks. Diwali symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is observed across the country by millions. While most other festivals are celebrated in certain regions or are specific to a certain zone in the country, Diwali is celebrated widely across the expanse of India.
Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is celebrated across India with stories that vary by region and community. Each legend reflects the triumph of good over evil and the values of righteousness, prosperity, and harmony. Here are the most popular tales behind this festival of lights:
Commonly, Diwali is marked as the celebration of King Rama’s return to Ayodhya after his victory over Ravana, as described in the epic Ramayana. The citizens welcomed him by lighting rows of lamps (deepas) and distributing sweets, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
In some regions, the basis of the festival is traced back to the Mahabharata, where Diwali is marked by the return of the five Pandavas from their 14-year exile in the forest. People celebrated by lighting lamps, expressing joy for the reunion and the restoration of righteousness.
Another story in the background of the festival symbolizes the day of Narak Chaturdashi, the 14th day of the second half of the month Ashwin (Aswayuja), seventh month of the lunisolar Hindu calendar and the second day of Diwali.
The day before the main Diwali celebrations, known as Narak Chaturdashi, honors Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasur, who had terrorized people and imprisoned 16,000 women. This day symbolizes liberation from evil and is celebrated with early morning rituals, oil baths, and lighting lamps.
✔️In Himachal Pradesh, places like Ani, Nirmand, Shillai, and Chopal celebrate Budhi Diwali, a month later than the rest of India, following news of Lord Rama’s return.
✔️Eastern India and Bangladesh often worship Goddess Kali during Diwali.
✔️Jains mark Diwali as the day Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana, while Sikhs observe Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating Guru Hargobind’s release from Mughal captivity.
✔️Newar Buddhists honor Goddess Lakshmi on this festival.
These stories not only provide the mythological and historical backdrop of Diwali but also reflect its core message: good always triumphs over evil, light conquers darkness, and unity brings joy.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by millions across India and the world, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. Though primarily celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists, the celebration of Diwali has crossed these boundaries way long ago and is thus observed by people hailing from all backgrounds and walks of life, its essence unites everyone in joy, light, and togetherness.
The Jains observe a Diwali distinct from others, which marks the final liberation of Mahavira (According to Jain texts, Lord Mahavira, the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara, is said to have attained Nirvana on the day of Diwali).
The Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas to commemorate the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from a Mughal imprisonment. Temples and homes are decorated with lights to signify freedom and triumph of righteousness.
In Nepal, Newar Buddhists worship Goddess Lakshmi, aligning with the theme of prosperity and spiritual growth.
In regions of Himachal Pradesh, at Ani and Nirmand in Kullu district, Shillai in Sirmaur district, and Chopal in Shimla district, Diwali is celebrated a month after it’s celebrated in the remaining country. This is also the reason that it’s not known as Diwali, but rather as Budhi Diwali (implying old Diwali). As victorious Rama came back, the news circulated in his kingdom.
Diwali also serves as a cultural festival for the Indian diaspora worldwide, keeping ancient rituals alive and promoting unity.
👉🏿Key Insight: Regardless of religion or region, Diwali emphasizes unity, cultural heritage, and the triumph of light over darkness, making it a festival truly celebrated by every Indian.
The people of Ayodhya was ecstatic at their beloved King’s homecoming after fourteen long years and thus celebrated by lighting lamps and distributing sweets. But then, given the mountainous northern region was distant from the capital, it took nearly a month for the news to reach there. They started the celebrations as soon as they got the news, but it was a month after the celebrations took place in the rest of the kingdom.
The aim of Diwali is to teach an enormously substantial lesson to everyone. That ‘good’ always triumphs over ‘evil’, the same way Lord Rama emerged victorious in the battle. The tradition of lighting oil lamps symbolizes the victory of good over evil and freedom from spiritual darkness.
The term ‘Diwali’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘deepawali’ meaning "series or trail of lights". This word is taken from the Sanskrit the word ‘dipa’, which indicates a source of "light that which glows, shines, illuminates or provides knowledge". Diwali is celebrated over five days generally, during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika (between mid-October and mid-November) – each day has a legend as a backstory for why it is celebrated in the said manner.
Diwali is celebrated over five vibrant days, each with its own rituals, legends, and significance. Here’s a concise guide to the Diwali 2025 schedule and stories behind each day:
The first day of Diwali is called Dhan Teras (Dhanvantari Triodas). The sixteen-year-old son of King Hima’s horoscope predicted his death by snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage. On that particular day, his newly-wed wife did not allow him to sleep. With a plan to save her husband, she laid out all her ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a heap at the entrance of the sleeping chamber and lit lamps all over the place.
Then she started narrating stories and singing songs to keep her husband from falling asleep. The next day, when Yamraja, the God of Death, arrived at the prince's doorstep in the guise of a Serpent, his eyes were dazzled and blinded by the brilliance of the lamps and the jewelry.
Yamraja could not enter the prince’s chamber, so he climbed on top of the heap of gold coins and sat there the entire night listening to the stories and songs. In the morning, he silently went away. Thus, the young prince was saved from the clutches of death by the cleverness of his new bride and the day is celebrated as Dhanteras, ever since.
✔️Significance: Marks the beginning of Diwali and honors Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda.
✔️Legend: A prince’s life was saved from death by his clever wife, who used gold, silver, and lamps to blind Yamraja, the God of Death.
✔️Tradition: People buy gold, silver, and new utensils, clean their homes, and light lamps to invite prosperity.
This day is also known as Narak Chaturdasi and Kali Chaudas. The legend behind the day is associated with the demon king Narakasur who was a ruler of Pragjyotishpur, a province to the South of Nepal. Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur on this day, freeing the world from fear and also releasing the imprisoned ladies from Narakasur's harem.
✔️Significance: Celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasur, freeing 16,000 imprisoned women.
✔️Tradition: Early morning oil baths, lighting lamps, and small family gatherings mark this day.
✔️Alternative Name: Also called Kali Chaudas in some regions.
It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi manifested herself on this day when the demons and deities were churning the ocean together to find out the 'drink of immortality'. Thus, Diwali is also celebrated to commemorate the birth of the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi.
✔️Significance: Worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
✔️Legend: Lakshmi emerged during the churning of the ocean by gods and demons (Samudra Manthan).
✔️Tradition: Homes are illuminated, rangoli is drawn, and families perform prayers to invite blessings and abundance.
White Marble Lakshmi Statue
Govardhan is a small hillock situated at 'Braj', near Mathura. As the legend goes, on this day, Lord Krishna taught people to worship the supreme controller of nature, God, specifically Govardhan, as Govardhan is a manifestation of Krishna and to stop worship in the God of Rains, Lord Indra.
✔️Significance: Commemorates Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from floods.
✔️Tradition: Offerings are made to cows, and small mounds of cow dung or symbolic hillocks are decorated.
Shri Krishna Lifting the Govardhana Mountain
The day is also dedicated to the Hindu God, Lord Vishwakarma, who, as per mythology, created the weapons used in mythological times. Lord Vishwakarma is considered to be the best worker, the symbol of quality and excellence in craftsmanship. His creations also include the town of Dwarka, the capital of Lord Krishna. The day is also celebrated as Lord Vishwakarma's birthday in many parts of India.
✔️Significance: Honors Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect and craftsman of gods.
✔️Tradition: Tools, machines, and workplaces are cleaned and worshipped to seek blessings for skill and productivity.
Vishwakarma Ji
One of the most famous legends around Bhai Dooj narrates the story of Yamraja and Yamuna. Yamraja visited his sister Yamuna on this day. Pleased by her love and affection, Yamraja gave his sister a Vardaan (boon) that whosoever visits her on this day, shall be liberated from all sins. Since then, the custom of celebrating Bhai Dooj started and is also known as Yama Dwitiya.
✔️Significance: Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
✔️Legend: Yamraja, the God of Death, visited his sister Yamuna, who welcomed him with love and prayers, and he granted her blessings to protect all siblings.
✔️Tradition: Sisters perform a tilak ceremony for their brothers and pray for their long life; brothers give gifts in return.
It is also believed that it was on the day of Diwali that Goddess Lakshmi was rescued from a prison by the fifth incarnation of Vishnu in Vamana avatar. King Mahabali, was a powerful demon king who ruled the earth. Bali was invincible and even devas failed to defeat him in battles. Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a short Brahmin and approached Bali for some charity.
The righteous and benevolent King couldn't refuse the Brahmin and was tricked into giving up his kingship and wealth (of which Lakshmi considered to be the Goddess). Diwali marks this overcoming of Mahabali by Lord Vishnu. This is the reason behind worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on the day Diwali.
Key Insight: Each day of Diwali has a unique story and ritual, blending tales, family bonding, and cultural tradition. Together, they form a festival that celebrates light, prosperity, and harmony.
In rural areas, Diwali signifies Harvest Festival. Diwali which occurs at the end of a cropping season has along with the above custom, a few others that reinforce the hypothesis of its having originated as a harvest. Every harvest normally spelt prosperity. The celebration was first started in India by farmers after they reaped their harvests. They celebrated with joy and offered praises to God for granting them a good crop.
In fact, the four-day-long Chhath Puja festivities dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Bhagwan) and Chhathi Maiya, begin four days after Diwali, i.e., on the Chaturthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha. It reinforces the link between Diwali and the agricultural cycle.
✔️On the first day, devotees perform the Nahay Khay ritual.
✔️On the second day (Panchami Tithi), people prepare a Kheer and observe a vrat and break it in the evening after offering their prayers to Chhathi Maiya. This ritual is called Kharna or Lohanda.
✔️On the third day (Sashti Tithi), devotees offer their prayers to the Sun God by performing a ritual called Sandhya Arghya.
✔️On the four day (Saptami Tithi), they pay ode to the rising Sun by offering the Usha Arghya. After performing all the rituals, devotees who keep a vrat break their fast.
✔️Diwali coincides with harvest festivals in different regions, emphasizing gratitude, abundance, and community.
✔️People decorate homes, light lamps, and prepare special foods to celebrate both spiritual and seasonal prosperity.
✔️The timing of Diwali and Chhath Puja reflects India’s lunisolar calendar, connecting festivals to natural cycles and agricultural traditions.
Preparation for Diwali begins well in advance, as families get their homes and surroundings ready to welcome prosperity, positivity, and Goddess Lakshmi. The process is a blend of cleaning, decorating, and spiritual rituals, reflecting the festival’s deeper significance.
It starts with the thorough cleaning of houses and shops. Many people also discard all the old household items and get all the renovation work done before the onset of the festival. It is an age-old belief that Goddess Lakshmi visits people’s houses on Diwali night to bless them. Hence, all the devotees clean and decorate their houses with lights, flowers, rangoli, candles, Diyas, garlands etc. for the festival.
Streets, homes, and offices are adorned with diyas (earthen lamps), candles, and festive lighting. Rangoli designs are created at entrances to welcome both guests and deities, using colored powders, rice, or flowers. Flowers and garlands enhance the festive spirit and bring natural beauty indoors.
People cover streets and buildings in festive lighting and there are lively songs and dance. Dazzling fireworks go off, creating a spectacle of noise and light. Diwali is also a time to settle debts and make peace. It’s common for people to reach out to loved ones who may have lost touch and organise family reunions. Diwali unites people across religious, cultural, and geographical boundaries, embodying the principle of unity in diversity.
Rangoli is one of the most iconic Diwali traditions, celebrated across India to welcome guests and Goddess Lakshmi. This ancient art form reflects culture, creativity, and spirituality, passed down through generations. Rangoli is also known as Alpana, Aripoma, or Kolam. It is an ancient art, practiced by almost all households. In many cases, designs are passed down through generations with some of them being hundreds of years old.
The word 'Rangoli' is said to have been derived from the words 'Rang' and 'Aavalli' which refers to a row of colours. Rangoli designs symbolize prosperity, protection, and the infinite cycle of life. Drawing Rangoli at the entrance of homes is believed to invite divine blessings and positive energy. Rangoli designs and colours vary between different regions but they all follow some basic patterns.
A Rangoli usually has a geometrical structure that is also symmetrical. The design patterns often consist of natural elements like animals, flowers, etc. The central motif often represents a deity, such as Goddess Lakshmi, or the theme of the celebration. Rangoli patterns are usually made using coloured chalk, rice powder, and crushed limestone.
A Rangoli design usually has a geometric shape, which is supposed to denote the infiniteness of time. A Rangoli is also bordered by a lotus design, to represent the Goddess Lakshmi. The lotus is also symbolic for the beginning of life. When drawn as an outline, it could also refer to a heart or a wheel.
✔️In the northern parts of Bihar, Lakshmi's footprints are drawn on the doorstep, with the toes pointing towards the entrance of the house.
✔️A typical Rangoli drawn in Andhra Pradesh, has an eight-petal lotus which is formed by a variety of geometric patterns. This lotus is called 'Ashtadal Kamal'.
✔️In Tamil Nadu, an Eight-Pointed star, referred to as 'Hridaya Kalam', replaces the eight-petal lotus. This means the lotus of the heart.
✔️Gujarat itself is said to have almost a thousand variations of the lotus that are drawn during Diwali.
✔️‘Sanskar Bharati’ Rangoli is very popular in Maharashtra which is drawn in a free hand style. It is mainly drawn in circular form. It is drawn in big as well as small circles. The way of drawing this style of Rangoli is a little different. In the beginning colours are spread on the floor and then design is made with white Rangoli on these colours.
These designs include different holy symbols depicting Indian culture, rituals, customs and traditions. People also use different geometric shapes to make it look even more attractive. Sanskar Bharati Rangoli is an epitome of Indian Culture and tradition which represents the Sanskars (sacraments) of Indic tradition.
No Diwali celebration is complete without delicious sweets and savory treats, which are an integral part of the festival. However, the celebration features various rich savoury and sweet dishes. Each family celebrating Diwali will more than likely have its own favourite meal for the festival. These foods delight the senses symbolize prosperity, purity, and the joy of sharing.
Traditionally Indian sweets are called ‘Mithai’. It is an old tradition of considering sweets to be pure and an offering to the gods. Sweets are a small gesture of greeting people, family, and friends with the joy of celebrating the festival. Popular sweets include laddoos, gulab jamun, barfi, kheer, jalebi, gujiya, and halwa. Sweets are considered pure offerings to the gods, reflecting gratitude and auspiciousness.
A wide range of choices of flavours and endless types are a must at any festival and especially Diwali. Diwali features a variety of savory items like sev, pakoras, shakkarpaara, chevdo, murukku, mathia, and batata vada. These treats are often made at home and shared with neighbors and relatives, strengthening community bonds.
Diwali is not only a festival of lights but also a celebration of virtues and life lessons. Each ritual and tradition imparts timeless wisdom that guides personal, spiritual, and social growth.
The victories of Lord Krishna over Narakasur and Lord Rama over Ravana highlight the victory of good over evil. Diwali teaches balance in human qualities - goodness, passion and destruction. Since none of these qualities can be totally eliminated from a person, there needs to be a perfect balance among them.
Divinity is the source of happiness. According to Swami Vivekananda, "Each soul is potentially divine. The goal is to manifest the divinity within you." Lighting earthen lamps is a symbolic representation of kindling the divinity within us by lighting the lamp of knowledge to drive away the darkness of ignorance. As Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa said, "A lamp cannot burn without oil; similarly, a man cannot live without God."
Lord Rama is the perfect example of how important it is to be humble and gentle. That is why he was known as 'Maryada Purushottam' (Lord of Virtue). He was always seen as being the perfect son to his parents, the ideal protector of dharma and a living example of morality. Diwali encourages us to remain humble, gentle, and compassionate in our actions.
Diwali isn't confined to Hinduism. Jains celebrate it as the day when Vardhamana Mahavira, the last Tirthankara or Teaching God, attained eternal nirvana - spiritual liberation. Sikhs celebrate this day as Bandichor Diwas (Day of Liberation) to mark the release of Guru Hargobind from Gwalior prison where he had been a political prisoner. In Nepal, people celebrate the day as the anniversary of King Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism. Diwali is, therefore, a great example of the brotherhood of religions.
Diwali is the time for family get-togethers. It signifies the importance of brotherhood and the joy of togetherness. It teaches respect for diverse beliefs and cultural unity.
The very purpose of celebrating festivals is to make people around us happy. The festival encourages acts of generosity, whether through sharing sweets, gifts, or helping others. True happiness comes from uplifting those around us.
Diwali reminds us that challenges are temporary, and persistence leads to growth. It helps build our reputations for persistence and improves our relationships with all those around us. Sometimes we don't have all the answers that we want in life when we want them. Patience fosters stronger relationships and resilience in personal and professional life.
The essence of Diwali lies in cultivating discipline, goodness, humility, tolerance, and togetherness, while spreading light, kindness, and hope to the world.
At the centre of all the rituals and grand celebrations of Diwali are simple principles of goodness, virtues, familial bonds, and reverence for Hindu culture. A principal festival of Hinduism, this is an ancient festival and has many stories around it, which underline the meaning and significance of Diwali. Diwali teaches virtues, moral integrity, and the importance of family and community.
For those seeking deeper understanding, Exotic India Art’s collection of Hindu festivals and rituals books in Hindi, English, and regional languages offers detailed stories, legends, and practices. Make this Diwali a celebration of enlightenment, cultural pride, and joyous togetherness for you and your family. Diwali is a timeless festival of wisdom, virtue, and celebration, reminding us that light both literal and spiritual always triumphs over darkness.
Diwali, also called the Festival of Lights, celebrates the victory of good over evil, honoring Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya and Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings for prosperity.
In 2025, Diwali falls between October 18–23, with each day observing unique rituals like Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Pooja, and Bhai Dooj.
🔸Dhanteras: Wealth & prosperity
🔸Choti Diwali / Narak Chaturdashi: Victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasur
🔸Lakshmi Puja: Worship of Goddess Lakshmi
🔸Govardhan Pooja & Vishwakarma Day: Honoring nature and craftsmanship
🔸Bhai Dooj: Celebrating sibling bonds
Homes are cleaned, renovated, and decorated with diyas, candles, flowers, and Rangoli to invite Goddess Lakshmi and positive energy.
Rangoli is a colorful art form drawn at home entrances, symbolizing prosperity, welcome, and divine blessings, with regional variations like Ashtadal Kamal, Hridaya Kalam, and Sanskar Bharati styles.
Diwali features mithai (sweets) like laddoos, gulab jamun, barfi, and gujiya, along with savory snacks like sev, pakoras, and murukku, symbolizing joy, sharing, and purity.
Diwali teaches discipline, goodness, divinity, humility, tolerance, togetherness, kindness, and patience, highlighting life lessons that foster spiritual and personal growth.
Dev Sharma, Bhu. Hindu Festivals. New Bharatiya Book Corporation. 2021. Print.
Ganeshram, Ramin, and Vellotti, Jean-Paul. Sweet Hands: Island Cooking from Trinidad & Tobago. New York: Hippocrene Books, 2006. Print.
Lata Bahadur, Om. The book of Hindu festivals and ceremonies. UBS Publishers Distributors; 2nd edition. 1994. Print.
Robinson, James. Hinduism. New York: InfoBase Publishing. 2004. Print.
Torpe, Kate. Diwali. New York: Crabtree Publishing Company, 2008. Print.
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