Diwali 2025 Complete Guide: Dates, Rituals & Celebrations Across India

Diwali is finally here! The festival of lights is back and this year it’s going to be bigger and brighter than ever. If you are wondering when Diwali is, what to do, where to go, or how to celebrate – you are in the right place.

Let me tell you everything about Diwali 2025 in the simplest way possible.

When is Diwali 2025?

Main Diwali Date: October 20, 2025 (Monday)

But wait – Diwali is not just one day! It’s actually 5 days of celebrations. Here are all the dates:

Complete 5-Day Diwali Calendar:

Day 1: Dhanteras – October 18, 2025 (Saturday)

• This is when Diwali officially starts
• People buy gold, silver, and new things
• Shops stay open late
• Best day for shopping

Day 2: Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi) – October 19, 2025 (Sunday)

• Wake up early and take an oil bath
• Light some diyas in the evening
• It’s like a mini Diwali before the big day

Day 3: Main Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) – October 20, 2025 (Monday)

• THE BIG DAY!
• Lakshmi Puja in the evening
• Light all the diyas and candles
• Fireworks at night
• Wear new clothes
• Exchange gifts and sweets

Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Padwa/Annakut) – October 22, 2025 (Wednesday)

• Husband and wife celebrate their bond
• In North India, people make food mountains
• Visit temples

Day 5: Bhai Dooj – October 23, 2025 (Thursday)

• Brothers and sisters celebrate their love
• Sisters put tilak on brothers’ foreheads
• Exchange gifts
• Family get-togethers

Why Do We Celebrate Diwali?

There are actually many stories behind Diwali. Different parts of India celebrate it for different reasons:

North India Story:

• Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years
• He defeated the demon king Ravana
• People lit oil lamps to welcome him home
• That’s why we light diyas even today

South India Story:

• Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura
• This happened on Narak Chaturdashi
• People wake up early and celebrate

Bengal and Eastern India:

• They worship Goddess Kali
• It’s called Kali Puja
• Happens on the same night as Diwali

Jains:

• Lord Mahavira attained nirvana on Diwali
• It’s their most important day

Sikhs:

• Guru Hargobind Ji was released from prison
• Celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas

The common thread? Good always wins over evil. Light always wins over darkness.

How Different States Celebrate Diwali

Delhi & North India:

• Huge markets and shopping
• Chandni Chowk is lit up like crazy
• Fireworks everywhere
• Connaught Place looks amazing
• Ramlila performances before Diwali

Mumbai & Maharashtra:

• Early morning oil bath tradition
• Making rangoli designs
• Beach celebrations in Juhu and Marine Drive
• Less fireworks, more family time

Kolkata & West Bengal:

• Kali Puja is bigger than Diwali here
• Pandals everywhere (like Durga Puja but smaller)
• Fish curry for dinner (yes, really!)
• Night-long celebrations

South India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala):

• Wake up at 3-4 AM
• Take oil bath before sunrise
• New clothes in the morning (not evening)
• Simple and peaceful celebrations
• Mysore Palace looks incredible

Goa:

• They burn huge effigies of Narakasura
• Beach parties and celebrations
• Less traditional, more fun
• Great for tourists

Rajasthan:

• Royal celebrations in Jaipur and Udaipur
• Palaces are lit up beautifully
• Traditional folk performances
• Best for photography

Punjab:

• Bandi Chhor Divas at Golden Temple
• The temple is covered in lights
• Absolutely stunning
• Free langar (food) for everyone

What Do People Do on Diwali? Complete Ritual Guide

Before Diwali (1-2 weeks before):

• Clean the entire house (it’s a big deal!)
• Paint and decorate
• Shop for new clothes
• Buy gifts for family and friends
• Stock up on sweets and snacks
• Get your house wired for lights

On Dhanteras (Day 1):

• Buy something made of metal (gold, silver, steel, anything)
• Buy new utensils
• Light 1-2 diyas in the evening
• Some people buy cars or bikes too!

On Choti Diwali (Day 2):

• Wake up before sunrise
• Take a bath with special oil
• Wear clean clothes
• Light some diyas in the evening
• Eat sweets

On Main Diwali (Day 3):

Morning:

• Clean and decorate the house
• Make rangoli at the entrance
• Take a bath and wear new clothes

Afternoon:

• Prepare for evening puja
• Arrange the puja items
• Get sweets ready

Evening (most important):

• Light diyas everywhere – entrance, windows, balcony, terrace
• Do Lakshmi and Ganesh puja (around 6-7 PM)
• Offer sweets to gods
• Pray for wealth and happiness

Night:

• Burst firecrackers (if you want)
• Exchange gifts with neighbors
• Eat dinner together
• Play cards (it’s a tradition!)
• Stay up late

On Govardhan Puja (Day 4):

• Make special food
• In villages, they make cow dung hillocks
• In cities, make food offerings at temples
• Family time

On Bhai Dooj (Day 5):

• Sisters invite brothers home
• Put tilak on forehead
• Pray for long life
• Exchange gifts
• Eat special food together

Also Read: Chhath Puja 2025: Rivers, Rituals & the Sunrise That Connects Generations

Best Places to Visit During Diwali 2025

Want to experience the most amazing Diwali? Here’s where to go:

Top 5 Places:

1. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

• Dev Deepavali celebration (comes after Diwali)
• Entire Ganges riverbank covered in lamps
• Absolutely magical
• Ganga aarti is mind-blowing

2. Amritsar, Punjab

• Golden Temple during Bandi Chhor Divas
• More than 1 lakh diyas lit up
• Fireworks over the temple
• Once in a lifetime experience

3. Jaipur, Rajasthan

• Pink City becomes golden city
• All palaces and forts lit up
• Traditional celebrations
• Great for tourists

4. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

• Birthplace of Lord Rama
• World record for most diyas lit
• Lakhs of diyas along the Saryu river
• The original Diwali celebration

5. Mumbai, Maharashtra

• Marine Drive looks stunning
• Beach celebrations
• Modern city celebrations
• Great food everywhere

Other Great Options:

• Mysore (Mysore Palace illumination)
• Udaipur (Lake Palace celebrations)
• Goa (beach parties and Narakasura burning)
• Delhi (markets and celebrations everywhere)
• Kolkata (Kali Puja pandals)

Diwali Shopping Guide: What to Buy

Essential Shopping List:

For Home Decoration:

• Diyas (clay lamps)
• Candles
• Electric lights and lanterns
• Rangoli colors
• Flower garlands
• Torans (door hangings)
• Decorative items

For Puja:

• Lakshmi and Ganesh idols (small ones)
• Puja thali
• Incense sticks
• Camphor
• Coconut
• Flowers
• Fruits
• Sweets for offering

Personal Shopping:

• New clothes (everyone gets at least one new outfit)
• Jewelry (even small items count)
• Footwear

Gifts:

• Dry fruit boxes
• Sweet boxes
• Chocolates
• Gift hampers
• Decorative items
• Gadgets

Food Items:

• Sweets (barfi, ladoo, jalebi, gulab jamun)
• Namkeen (savory snacks)
• Dry fruits
• Ingredients for special dishes

Modern Diwali Trends in 2025

Diwali is changing with time. Here’s what’s new in 2025:

Eco-Friendly Celebrations:

• More people using clay diyas
• LED lights instead of regular bulbs
• Less fireworks
• Natural rangoli colors
• Recycled decorations
• Plant-based gift options

Digital Diwali:

• Online gift shopping
• Video calls with family abroad
• Digital greeting cards
• Online puja bookings
• Social media celebrations

Unique Gift Ideas:

• Experience vouchers (spa, dinner, movies)
• Subscription boxes
• Personalized gifts
• Eco-friendly products
• Handmade items from artisans
• Donation in someone’s name

New Traditions:

• Diwali brunches
• Hotel staycations
• Group travel during Diwali
• Theme parties
• Charity and giving back

Diwali Facts You Didn’t Know

Let me share some cool facts:

• Diwali is celebrated by over 1 billion people worldwide
• It’s an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Fiji, and others
• The word “Diwali” comes from “Deepavali” which means “row of lights”
• Diwali dates change every year because it follows the lunar calendar
• It’s celebrated on the darkest night of the year (no moon)
• Times Square in New York celebrates Diwali now!
• Leicester, UK has one of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside India
• Diwali marks the beginning of new year for many business communities
• It’s the busiest shopping season in India (bigger than Christmas!)

Diwali for First-Timers (NRIs & Tourists)

If this is your first Diwali in India:

What to Expect:

• Everything will be louder than you think
• Markets will be super crowded
• Streets will be lit up everywhere
• People will give you lots of sweets
• You’ll be invited to multiple homes
• Expect noise late into the night
• Traffic will be crazy
• Shops might close early or be super crowded

How to Participate:

• Accept all sweet boxes (it’s rude to refuse)
• Dress traditionally if visiting Indian homes
• Take off shoes before entering homes
• Join in the festivities
• Try all the foods
• Take lots of photos
• Be respectful during pujas
• Don’t be shy to ask questions

Final Thoughts

Diwali 2025 is going to be special. Whether you celebrate big or small, traditional or modern, alone or with family – just enjoy it!

Remember:

• It’s about togetherness, not just decorations
• It’s about giving, not just receiving
• It’s about light defeating darkness
• It’s about making memories

Start your preparations now. Don’t wait until the last minute!