Diwali 2025: Know When and How the Six-Day Festival Will Be Celebrated

Diwali 2025, known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the biggest Hindu celebrations that spreads joy and devotion across the country. The markets start glowing days before Diwali with lights, diyas, and decorations. The festival is traditionally celebrated for five days, but this year, it will be observed for six days, starting from Dhanteras and ending with Bhai Dooj. Each day holds deep spiritual and cultural importance.

Dhanteras 2025

The festival begins with Dhanteras, which marks the first day of the Diwali celebrations. It falls on Saturday, October 18, 2025. This day is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari and Lord Kubera, symbols of health and wealth. People buy gold, silver, new utensils, and household items to invite prosperity. The belief is that purchasing on this day brings long-term good fortune and happiness in life.

Chhoti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi

The second day, Chhoti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi, will be celebrated on Sunday, October 19, 2025. It falls on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of Kartik month. On this day, devotees light lamps in their homes after offering prayers to Lord Krishna and Yamaraj. A special lamp is lit in Yama’s name, facing south, symbolizing protection from untimely death. This day is also known as Narak Chaturdashi because Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.

Ganesh-Lakshmi Pujan 2025

The most important and grand day of Diwali is Ganesh-Lakshmi Pujan, which will be celebrated on Monday, October 20, 2025. This day falls on the new moon day of Kartik month. Families worship Lord Ganesha for wisdom and Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. Homes and shops are decorated with lights and diyas, and people perform rituals to remove negativity and invite happiness. The lamps lit on this moonless night represent the victory of light over darkness.

Govardhan Pujan 2025

After the grand Diwali celebration, Govardhan Pujan, also called Annakoot, will be observed on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. It is celebrated on the first day of the Shukla Paksha in Kartik month. On this day, devotees make a small Govardhan hill from cow dung and worship it with devotion. This tradition symbolizes the story of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain to protect the people of Braj from heavy rains caused by Lord Indra’s anger.

Bhai Dooj 2025

The last day of the Diwali festival is Bhai Dooj, which celebrates the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. In 2025, Bhai Dooj will fall on Thursday, October 23. On this day, sisters apply a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their long lives and well-being. Brothers, in return, present gifts and sweets as a gesture of love. It marks the emotional conclusion of the six-day Diwali festival.

Cultural Significance of Diwali 2025

Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. The festival unites families, renews relationships, and spreads positivity. Each day of Diwali represents a different aspect of life—health, wealth, knowledge, nature, and love. From Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, every ritual strengthens faith and celebrates Indian culture and values.

Preparations and Festive Atmosphere

Markets and homes start shining weeks before Diwali. People clean their homes, decorate with lights, buy new clothes, and exchange gifts. The air is filled with the aroma of sweets and the excitement of celebrations. Cities and villages alike come alive with diyas, fireworks, and the sound of festive joy everywhere.

Extended Celebration of Six Days

While Diwali is generally known as a five-day festival, the 2025 celebration will extend for six days, making it even more special. Each day, from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, brings its unique charm, rituals, and blessings, reminding everyone of unity, happiness, and spiritual harmony.

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