Diwali 2025 Calendar: 5 Days of Festivities and Key Insights
- Many South Asian religious communities celebrate Diwali, a significant holiday. It will be observed for five days, starting this weekend.
- The third night of the festival, Diwali, is on October 20.
- Hindu, Jain, and Sikhism communities celebrate Diwali in different ways.
Diwali 2025: Dates, 5-Day Celebration, and What You Need to Know
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most widely celebrated holidays across South Asian religious communities. While the main day of Diwali is the highlight, the festival actually spans five days, starting on October 18, 2025.
When Is Diwali 2025?
Diwali will be celebrated on Monday, October 20, 2025. The festivities begin two days earlier with Dhanteras, marking the preparation period leading up to the main celebration.
The Five Days of Diwali 2025
According to the Almanac, Diwali spans five days, each with its own significance:
Dhanteras – October 18: The festival begins with Dhanteras, a day associated with wealth and prosperity.
Kali Chaudas – October 19: Observances focus on warding off evil and welcoming positive energies.
Diwali (Main Day) – October 20: The central day of the festival, marked by lighting lamps, prayers, and celebrations.
Govardhan Puja – October 21: Celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over natural calamities and involves offerings to cows and nature.
Bhai Dooj – October 22: A day honoring the bond between brothers and sisters.
What Is Diwali? Who Celebrates It?
Diwali, or Deepavali, means “row of lights” in Sanskrit—derived from deepa (lamp) and avali (row). It is celebrated by communities in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, each with their own traditions. Over time, Diwali has also become a national holiday in several countries.
How Is Diwali Observed?
Celebrations vary by region and tradition, but some practices are widely followed:
Lighting Diyas: Hindus light small clay lamps (diyas) on the night of the new moon to invite the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi, into their homes.
Home Decoration: Homes are adorned with rangoli—intricate designs made from colored rice, sand, or flower petals—to attract blessings of wealth and success.
Floating Lamps: In some areas, diyas are placed in rows inside homes, temples, or floated on rivers and streams as a symbol of spiritual light overcoming darkness.
Diwali is a festival of joy, light, and togetherness, bringing families and communities together to celebrate prosperity, devotion, and cultural traditions.
FAQs
When is Diwali 2025 celebrated?
Diwali 2025 falls on Monday, October 20.How many days is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali spans five days, from October 18 to October 22, 2025.What are the five days of Diwali called?
Dhanteras (Oct 18)
Kali Chaudas (Oct 19)
Diwali (Main Day) (Oct 20)
Govardhan Puja (Oct 21)
Bhai Dooj (Oct 22)
What is the significance of Dhanteras?
Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali and is associated with wealth and prosperity.What is Kali Chaudas?
Kali Chaudas focuses on warding off evil and inviting positive energies.Why is Diwali called the Festival of Lights?
Diwali is called the Festival of Lights because people light lamps (diyas) to symbolize the victory of light over darkness.What is Govardhan Puja?
Govardhan Puja celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over natural calamities and involves offerings to cows and nature.What is Bhai Dooj?
Bhai Dooj honors the bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan.Which religions celebrate Diwali?
Diwali is celebrated by Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities, each with their own traditions.What does the word ‘Diwali’ mean?
Diwali, or Deepavali, means “row of lights” in Sanskrit, referring to rows of lamps lit during the festival.How is Diwali celebrated in Hinduism?
Hindus light diyas, decorate homes with rangoli, perform prayers, and offer sweets to invite prosperity.How do Jains celebrate Diwali?
Jains celebrate Diwali as the anniversary of Lord Mahavira’s nirvana, often with lamps and prayers.How do Sikhs celebrate Diwali?
Sikhs celebrate Diwali to mark the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from prison, with lights, prayers, and gatherings at gurdwaras.What are diyas and why are they important?
Diyas are small clay lamps filled with oil, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.What is rangoli?
Rangoli is an art form using colored rice, sand, or flower petals to decorate homes and attract blessings.Why are lamps floated on rivers or streams during Diwali?
Floating lamps symbolize spiritual light overcoming darkness and bringing prosperity.Is Diwali a public holiday?
Yes, Diwali is a national holiday in India and other countries with South Asian communities.Which day is considered the main day of Diwali?
The third day, October 20, 2025, is the main day of Diwali.What is the purpose of Diwali celebrations?
Diwali celebrates prosperity, devotion, togetherness, and the victory of good over evil.How can families participate in Diwali traditions?
Families can light diyas, create rangoli, exchange sweets, perform prayers, and gather for celebrations.Do Muslims celebrate Diwali?
No, Diwali is not a Muslim religious festival. It is primarily celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs.Is Diwali celebrated by Muslims?
Generally, Muslims do not celebrate Diwali as a religious holiday, but some may join in cultural or community celebrations.Do Muslims participate in Diwali festivities?
Some Muslims may participate in social aspects of Diwali, like exchanging sweets, lighting lamps, or attending community events, especially in India.Is Diwali a religious festival for Muslims?
No, Diwali is not a religious festival for Muslims; it has significance only in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism.Do Muslims observe Diwali in India?
Muslims in India generally do not observe Diwali as a religious occasion, but some may enjoy the cultural and festive aspects with friends and neighbors.
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