Day 1 - 17th October 2025, Friday / शुक्रवार - Ekadashi - Govatsa Dwadashi, Vasu BarasDay 2 - 18th October 2025, Saturday / शनिवार - Dwadashi - Dhanteras, Yama DeepamDay 3 - 19th October 2025, Sunday / रविवार - Trayodashi - Kali Chaudas, Hanuman PujaDay 4 - 20th October 2025, Monday / सोमवार - Chaturdashi - Narak Chaturdashi, Tamil Deepavali, Kali PujaDay 5 - 21st October 2025, Tuesday / मंगलवार - Amavasya - Lakshmi Puja, Diwali, Sharda PujaDay 6 - 22nd October 2025, Wednesday / बुधवार - Pratipada - Govardhan Puja, Gujarati New YearDay 7 - 23rd October 2025, Thursday / गुरुवार - Dwitiya - Bhaiya Dooj, Bhau Beej, Yama Dwitiya
Diwali, also called the festival of lights, is a five-day Hindu celebration marking the victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It honors Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya and Lord Krishna’s triumph over Narakasura. Homes and temples are decorated with diyas, rangoli, and flowers, while families perform rituals, offer prayers, and share sweets. Diwali celebrates enlightenment, devotion, and family bonding, making it a joyful and spiritually significant festival across India.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a five-day celebration of joy, tradition, and spiritual significance across India. Homes glow with diyas and rangoli, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. Discover the rituals, stories, and customs that make Diwali a cherished festival for families everywhere.
It signifies the cleaning of the dust accumulated in our hearts in the form of lust, anger, pride, illusion, and attachments. The devotees thus invite Lord Ram into their hearts and pray for the welfare of their families. Elderly people read Ramcharitmanas or Srimad Ramayan everyday to remember the lotus feet of the Lord within their hearts.
Lord Rama Killing Ravana
This festival is celebrated in the honor of Purushottam Bhagavan Shri Ram who fought with the great demon Ravan in Lanka and defeated him in Tretayug. The story of how the Lord returned to His kingdom Ayodhya after spending fourteen years in exile is known to everyone. Yet on this holy occasion, it is recommended that we hear about His glorious pastimes and teach them to younger generations who seem to have forgotten them.
Diwali celebrates the joyous return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. After defeating the demon Ravana in Lanka, Ram, along with Mother Sita and brother Lakshman, traveled home in the magnificent Pushpak Vimana, a jewel-encrusted chariot.
The people of Ayodhya eagerly decorated streets with flags, flowers, and diyas, awaiting their beloved Lord. Bharat, who had been living in austerity during Ram’s exile, fainted in joy at His arrival. The reunion of the four brothers — Ram, Bharat, Lakshman, and Shatrughna — symbolized love, devotion, and righteousness.
The next day, Vashishtha Muni placed a golden crown on Lord Ram’s head and was crowned as the King of Ayodhya. Mother Sita sat gracefully beside Him, her presence illuminating the throne like a shining moon. This homecoming is celebrated every year as a core part of Diwali rituals, symbolizing the triumph of virtue and the return of divine light to hearts and homes.
Scenes From The Ramayana Tanjore Painting | Traditional Colors With 24K Gold
The day before Diwali is celebrated as Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi. This day glorifies Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, also known as Bhaumasura.
☸ The demon had kidnapped 16,100 princesses and terrorized kingdoms.
☸ He attacked heavenly planets and stole Lord Varuna’s umbrella, Mother Aditi’s earrings, and the playground of the devatas known as Mani Parvat.
☸ Lord Indra, the king of the demigods, felt humiliated at his mother’s assault and wanted to take revenge against Narakasura. He knew, Lord Krishna to be the only one capable of defeating demon.
28" Brass Fluting Krishna with His Cow | Handmade
☸ Indra went to Dwarka, after hearing the insolence of the demon, Satayabhama became enraged.
☸ To restore justice, Lord Krishna, accompanied by Goddess Satyabhama, rode on Garuda to confront Narakasura.
Krishna and Narakasura
☸ In a fierce battle, Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura with His Sudarshan Chakra and freed the imprisoned princesses. The gods showered flowers in celebration of His victory, symbolizing the removal of ignorance and darkness.
Lesson from this pastime: Narakasura, though the son of the Earth Goddess, became a demon due to bad associations. Diwali teaches the importance of surrounding oneself with saintly, uplifting company to nurture spiritual growth. This story is central to Chhoti Diwali rituals and reflects the triumph of good over evil.
Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Today, the essence of this holy festival is slowly fading its value among the youth. We need to know how to celebrate the festivals in the right manner and here are some tips you may follow to make this Diwali unique and joyful:
It is undeniable that the joy of any festival is incomplete without feasting over a variety of food items. Formerly women, during the festivities, remained engaged in making sweets in their homes. The taste of homemade sweets can never beat that of the readymade. This year, ditch the idea of buying sweets from the market. Help your mother in the kitchen and enjoy the festival of lights with great joy. You can make Gulabjamun, Rasgulla, Besan Laddoo, Besan barfi, or Jalebi with lots of affection and we bet you will love it.
Rangoli designs on the floor and flower decorations on the walls will set the right mood for the celebration of Diwali. The fragrance of fresh flowers invokes religious sentiments and fills up the space with rays of positivity. Flower petals can also be used to make amazing rangoli on the floor. How about Vermilion and Rice? You may also sprinkle rose water all around. The basic formula is to “Go natural” and make your guests fall in love with the aura of natural décor.
Making Rangoli (Handmade Painting)
Diwali falls in the month of Kartik (the last month of Chaaturmaas) in which devotees ignite diyas or Ghee lamps and offer them to Lord Krishna or Vishnu. The earthen lamps symbolize the light of knowledge that opens our eyes blinded by material attachments and ignorance. The purifying aroma of ghee brings the mode of goodness within us. So, lighting diyas, especially on the day of Deepavali is a great auspicious move to please the Lord and to pray for His mercy to lead us to the path of spiritual enlightenment.
As discussed above, the center of the festival of Deepavali is Lord Ram, the Supreme Lord. This day is celebrated in remembrance of His glories and victory, and this legacy must not be distorted. As Ayodhyawasis welcomed and worshiped the Lord along with Mother Sita and Lakshman, we should also try to follow them and serve the Lordships with devotion this Diwali. But we see people worshiping Lakshmi Ji in this festival instead of Lord Ram.
Our glorified Vedas mention that Lord Vishnu’s soft chest has two marks which are known as “Srivatsa”, which is the residing place of His consort Goddess Lakshmi. The Goddess never leaves that place where the Lord is glorified, and she indeed never likes to go to the place where She alone is worshiped. So even if we want to worship the Goddess of fortune maa Lakshmi Ji, She should be worshiped along with Her Husband, Lord Vishnu, and wherever there is Lord Vishnu, victory, prosperity, and all auspiciousness automatically follow.
The festival calls for buying new clothes, gold jewelry, and lots of gifts for friends, relatives, and colleagues. A different level of excitement is seen in children during the onset of the festival. The streets appear enthusiastic as if cheering for the Lord to welcome Him after His great victory over Adharma. This Diwali can prove to be something more than a mere reason to have a momentary pleasure. Spiritualization is the key; spiritualizing the festive mood. Here's how:
☀ While cleaning the home, you can chant the holy name of Lord Ram. The Vedic scriptures reveal that there is no difference between the Lord and His name. Chanting His name is equivalent to directly associating with Him.
☀ Offer your every activity for the service of the Lord – prepare sweets for Him, offer them to Him before eating, hear His pastimes, read Ramayan, and know about Him.
☀ One of the most interesting things to do on the occasion of Diwali is to sing devotional songs with your entire family post the worship of the Lordship.
Spiritualizing our activities makes the whole difference and the bliss that we get out of it is immeasurable, inconceivable, and transcendental. With the right consciousness, we can celebrate every festival with utmost joy and it can be a fun-filled experience.
Diwali is a five-day festival, starting with Dhanteras and ending with Bhai Dooj, celebrating light, devotion, and family traditions.
Starting with Dhanteras, Narak Chaturthi, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooja are the significant days of the Diwali celebration.
Yes, Indian communities worldwide celebrate Diwali with rituals, prayers, and cultural festivities.
Though Diwali is celebrated throughout India, different states have their own ways and variations of the festival. North India focuses on Lakshmi Puja and Lord Ram’s return. In Western India, Narak Chaturthi, Bali Pratipada (return of Mahabali, the demon king), and Bhau Beej (Bhai dooj) are celebrated.
Narak Chaturthi is also an important festival in the South India, where temples of Tamil Nadu worship Sri Krishna and regions of Andhra worship him with Satyabhama, as the couple killed Narakasura on this day. Eastern India, especially West Bengal worships goddess Kali in Kali Puja during Diwali, and people in Odisha perform rituals of “Kaunriya Kathi”, honoring the ancestors.
Firecrackers or Patakhe (Hindi), have been a part of Diwali celebrations for a long time. Traditionally sparkler (phuljhadi) is one of the most popular crackers used by people, as seen in the paintings of the Rajput and Mughal periods. People burn crackers that produce bright lights to create an atmosphere of luminosity, symbolize joy and light, marking celebrations, light moments with their loved ones, but it is advised to use low-intensity firecrackers for safety and the environment.
Families come together to perform rituals, share meals, and celebrate traditions, strengthening bonds and passing down culture. Festivities bring generations of a family together, becoming events when younger members get a chance to learn religious and family traditions from their elders, keeping the culture alive.
The essence of the Diwali festival has remained the same till the modern period. However, the festival has become much more global, with contemporary ways such as parties, get-to-gathers, and large-scale community celebrations becoming more popular. As a festival of light that offers celebration and joy to everyone, Diwali has grown into one of the most popular Hindu festivals in the world (along with Holi), celebrated by non-Indians and non-Hindus with equal zeal.
🪔 Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
👑 Honors Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya and Lord Krishna’s triumph over Narakasura.
🏡 Homes are cleaned, decorated with diyas, rangoli, and flowers to create a joyful, sacred space.
🍬 Festive sweets and homemade delicacies are central to celebrations, symbolizing love and community.
🙏 Worship focuses on Lord Ram and Vishnu; Goddess Lakshmi is honored alongside Him for prosperity.
🎉 Chhoti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) emphasizes the removal of ignorance and the power of good associations.
👨👩👧👦 Family gatherings, rituals, and devotion strengthen cultural bonds and spiritual joy.
Looking for Lakshmi-Ganesha statues, Hindu books, ritual items, and home decor to make your Diwali celebrations extra special? Take a look at the collection of Hindu statues, books, modern and traditional décor, and sacred ritual items made with pure materials. Shop from a range that fits every need you have for the Puja and celebration of Diwali and have a safe and Happy Diwali, full of light, love and laughter!
Exotic India wishes you and your loved ones a very happy Diwali. May the light of beautiful diyas and the vibrations of holy chants fill your life with both material and spiritual prosperity.
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