Every year, when autumn arrives, India and many other parts of the world shine with lights, laughter, and love. Diwali, also called Deepavali, is one of the most joyful and awaited festivals. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
In 2025, Diwali will be celebrated on Monday, October 20. Once again, it will fill homes and hearts with joy, hope, and togetherness.
The Meaning of Diwali
The name Diwali is derived from the word Deepavali, which means “a row of lights.” The lights, whether clay diyas, candles or electric decoration, represent more than just brightness – the light within all of us, and the positive force that can overcome negativity, darkness, and fear.
Diwali is not just a festival of lights; it is a celebration of virtues. It reminds us of unity and compassion, and the power of truth; that no matter where we are, every new beginning starts with a single small flicker of hope being lit.
The Origin of Diwali
Different regions of India celebrate Diwali for a variety of reasons, but the essential spirit remains the same: to celebrate good over evil.
For Hindus in North India, Diwali represents Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana and completed an exile of 14 years. The people of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Rama home with rows of burning lamps – in essence, illuminating the night in excitement for his return and celebrating the victory of righteousness.
In Gujarat, Diwali represents the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Devotees conduct Lakshmi Puja to invoke wealth and prosperity in their homes.
In Bengal, Diwali lines up nicely with the festival of Kali Puja, where Goddess Kali is worshiped as the destroyer of evil.
In South India, Diwali celebrates Lord Krishna defeating Narakasura, which symbolizes the victory over pride, arrogance, and darkness.
Regardless of the story, the same timeless message exists: Light always prevails over darkness.
The Five Days of Happy Diwali
Diwali is not just one day; it spans five joyful days, each with its own meaning and traditions.
1. Dhanteras – The Day of Prosperity
The first day of celebration is Dhanteras, when people purchase gold or silver or a new utensil to invite prosperity. People clean and decorate their homes in candles and flowers to invite wealth and positive energy.
2. Naraka Chaturdashi – Chhoti Diwali
Naraka Chaturdashi is the day we celebrate Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. People will often wake up very early, take an oil bath, and decorate their homes with rangoli. People will also (usually) start lighting the candles on this day, and also begin eating sweets with family and friends.
3. Diwali – The Festival of Lights
The third day of celebration is the main Diwali celebration. When the sun goes down, homes glow bright with candles, lights and stars. Families perform Lakshmi Puja on this night, where she is thanked and prayed for peace, health and prosperity in the coming year. There are fireworks and laughter in the sky above, children running, sweets being baked and given to neighbors and friends. It is a night of love, unity and gratitude.
4. Govardhan Puja – A Day of Appreciation
Day four, Govardhan Puja, celebrates Lord Krishna’s safeguarding of the people of Vrindavan. People prepare a large food offering called Annakut in thanks for nature’s gifts.
5. Bhai Dooj – A Celebration for Siblings
The last day, known as Bhai Dooj, celebrates the special relationship between the brother and sister. Sisters pray for the happiness and long life of their brothers, and brothers vow to watch over their sisters. A beautiful end to the festive season.
How Diwali is Celebrated
Diwali is an occasion that brings families and communities together in a spirit of joy and sharing.
- Lighting diyas and candles: Diyas are placed around homes and in courtyards to welcome in a positive energy and to diminish the darkness.
- Making rangoli: Rangoli is made of colorful powders, or flowers, to dress up entryways, since rangoli symbolizes beauty and good luck.
- Worship and prayers: Families congregate to celebrate Lakshmi Puja, seeking blessings for wealth and happiness.
- Sweets and feasting: families prepare special treats including laddoo, barfi, gulab jamun, and kheer, and all of these special foods are shared with family members.
- Gifts and togetherness: Exchanging gifts and visits with friends and family reinforce personal relationships and bring joy and happiness.
The Significance of the Lights
In addition to its customs, Diwali has a strong spiritual connotation. It encourages us to:
- Release negativity and refresh ourselves with hopefulness.
- Value kindness and togetherness more than physical wealth.
- Instigate assistance to those in need, thus sharing light through compassion.
- Embrace your inner light – the wisdom and goodness that you possess – in your journey through life’s pathways.
In short, Diwali is about engagement outside and igniting the light within.
Diwali Around the World
Today, Diwali is observed across the globe – from virtually anywhere from India to the U.S., U.K, Canada, Singapore, and Fiji. Cities are strung with lights, temples are adorned, and communities are united in celebrating joy as a culture. It has developed into a universal celebration of peace, harmony, and hope.
A Celebration of Fresh Starts
As Diwali 2025 approaches, it’s a moment to start afresh, to foster the positive things in our lives, to connect with each other, and to share joy in the world we live in. The festival of lights reminds us that every little diya we light represents a blessing for faith, courage, and new beginnings.
As lamps sparkle in every house and laughter fills the night air, Diwali is so much more than a festival, it brings a feeling of togetherness and new starts. It teaches us that the victory of light is not in the fireworks in the stars, it’s in the love and kindness we share with one another.
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