Diwali 2025
The Festival of Lights – A Complete Guide
Diwali is not just a one-day celebration; it is a magnificent five-day saga of rituals, stories, and traditions that symbolize the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
Diwali 2025: The Five-Day Calendar
Vasubaras: October 17 • Dhanteras: October 18 • Narak Chaturdashi: October 20 • Lakshmi Pujan: October 21 • Balipratipada & Bhau Beej: October 22-23
🕉️ Vasubaras
Friday, October 17, 2025
Honoring the Sacred Cow – The Sustainer of Life
The Diwali festivities commence with Vasubaras, a day dedicated to the veneration of the cow and her calf, representing wealth, purity, and the benevolent aspect of nature.
Rituals & Traditions:
- Cows and calves are given a ceremonial bath
- Adorned with vermilion, garlands, and bells
- Worshipped with offerings of special food
- Recitation of stories of Lord Krishna as Govinda
💰 Dhanteras
Saturday, October 18, 2025
The Auspicious Beginning of Wealth and Prosperity
Marking the official start of the main Diwali celebrations, Dhanteras is one of the most anticipated days for new purchases and financial prosperity.
Rituals & Traditions:
- Auspicious shopping for gold, silver, and utensils
- Evening puja of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera
- Lighting of Yamadeep lamp at the entrance
- Story of King Hima’s son is recited
⚔️ Narak Chaturdashi
Monday, October 20, 2025
The Triumph of Light Over Darkness
This day commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna and Satyabhama over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the destruction of negative tendencies within us.
Rituals & Traditions:
- Abhyang Snan – auspicious oil bath before sunrise
- Application of ubtan (herbal paste)
- Lighting of diyas to eradicate darkness
- Firecrackers representing destruction of evil
🙏 Lakshmi Pujan
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
The Zenith of the Festival – Welcoming the Goddess of Wealth
This is the core of Diwali when Goddess Lakshmi descends to bless her devotees. It also marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
Rituals & Traditions:
- Grand cleaning and decoration of homes
- Illumination with diyas, candles, and lights
- Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja after sunset
- Feasting, fireworks, and exchange of gifts
👨👧 Balipratipada & Bhau Beej
Wednesday & Thursday, October 22-23, 2025
Celebrating Benevolence and Sibling Love
The festivities conclude with these two significant observances – honoring King Bali’s devotion and celebrating the sacred bond between brothers and sisters.
Rituals & Traditions:
- Govardhan Puja and Annakut offerings
- Sisters perform tilak ceremony for brothers
- Brothers give gifts and promise protection
- Family feasts and celebrations
The Spiritual Significance of Diwali
Diwali is much more than external celebrations. It represents the inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness. The lighting of lamps signifies the awakening of individual consciousness to the ultimate reality. The cleaning of homes represents the purification of the heart, making it a worthy abode for the divine.
Each day of Diwali teaches us valuable lessons – from gratitude for nature’s bounty (Vasubaras) to the importance of wealth with righteousness (Dhanteras), the destruction of ego (Narak Chaturdashi), the invitation of spiritual prosperity (Lakshmi Pujan), and the celebration of relationships (Bhau Beej).
“May the divine light of Diwali spread into your life, bringing peace, prosperity, and happiness.”
Shubh Deepawali!