Diwali 2025 – The Festival of Lights, Lakshmi Puja, celebration, radiance and glory: Know the Significance, Shubh Puja Muhurat and other details

Diwali which also goes by the name Deepavali or Dipawali is one of the most radiant, glorious and looked forward to festivals in India. Diwali has originated from the original Sanskrit word Deepavali which is an amalgamation of two words, Deep and Avali. Deep means Diya or small earthen lamps and avali means a row., in amalgamation it means a row of Deep or Diya.

Diwali is an insignia of conquest of radiance and light over evil and gloom. It is a symbolic representation of how wisdom always wins over confusion and despair. Diwali is the festival of lights. People light their homes, their neighbourhood, their community, their society, the streets are lit up and the smell of radiance and sweetness can be felt all over in the weather. Above this festive decoration and lighting, lies the real meaning of Diwali, which is bonding, respect and love for each other.

Why is the sacred festival of Diwali celebrated

Diwali is observed across all states of India may be in different ways and rituals, but the deep-rooted emotion is the same everywhere that virtue always conquers vice. Some of the main reasons of celebrating Diwali are mentioned below

Shri Rama returned to Ayodhya
The tale that is most widely related with Diwali is from Ramayana. It was on this day that Prabhu Shri Ram (Lord Rama) had returned to Ayodhya after completing his Vanvas, which was a 14 yearlong exile. Shri Ram had returned after defeating the demon king Ravana and bringing back Mata Sita from his kingdom, Lanka.

The subjects of his kingdom were waiting for fourteen years for Shri Ram to return to Ayodhya and the rejoiced and celebrated this pious moment by lighting unending rows of diyas or earthen lamps. This act of them was not only an act of celebration but a symbol of the win of good over evil, of virtue and of kindness and happiness.

Worship of Goddess Lakshmi
The name and worship of Mata Lakshmi is synonymous with Diwali. Everyone worships Mata Lakshmi the Goddess of wealth, fortune and opulence on Diwali. Diwali is also associated with the worship of Maa Lakshmi who is worshipped for affluence, abundance and success.

It is a popular belief that Mata Lakshmi blesses clean houses that are neat and tidy, glowing and radiating with lights and filled with faith and devotion. So, people do Lakshmi Puja on Diwali and request the Goddess to provide glory, prosperity and spirituality.

Lord Krishna and Narakasura war
In the southern parts of India, Diwali is celebrated as an observance of Lord Krishna’s win over demon king Narakasura. Narakasura was an evil king who was very arrogant. Lord Krishna’s win over Narakasura is an example of how positivity always defeats negative aura.

The Enthronement of King Vikramaditya
On Diwali, King Vikramaditya who was one of the greatest rulers of his time was enthroned. This ceremony symbolizes a new time of justice, virtue and happiness.

Bhagwan Mahavira’s Nirvana
Diwali has great importance for the Jain community as it is on this day that Bhagwan Mahavira attained Moksha (supreme liberation). This day is a time for spiritual enlightenment.

Guru Hargobind Ji’s Release
Diwali also goes by the name Bandi Chhor Divas which marks the day when Guru Hargobind Ji was released from imprisonment. This signifies courage, freedom and spiritual attainment.

Significance of this day

Diwali is not just a day of festive observance and celebration it symbolizes inner awakening and mental freedom from your inhibitions and anxiousness. On this day diyas are not just lighted for celebration, they represent how virtue always wins and positivity always glows. Diwali signifies a lot many things-

• The Diyas, candles and lights represent how there is light at the end of each tunnel.
• Houses are cleaned and useless items are thrown which symbolizes letting go of many unwanted fears. Making Rangoli to welcome Mata Lakshmi symbolizes positivity attracts happiness and glory.
• Giving gifts and sweets to your near and dear one, to neighbours, to colleagues, to community workers promotes sharing and thankfulness and gratitude.
• Even though nowadays eco-friendly Diwali is celebrated, the firecrackers which were burnt were not just a way of celebration, but they also represented spiritual and mental enlightenment.

This day is a reminder to introspect and think about what the real happiness is about, what really makes us glow and that relationships and bonding is the reality of life.

Shubh Puja Muhurat for Diwali 2025

Diwali will be celebrated this year on Monday the 20th of October, 2025. It is observed on Amavasya in the month of Kartik which is usually in November or October. On this day the revered Lakshmi Puja is performed during the Pradosh Kaal which is the beginning of nighttime and end of day.

Shubh Puja Muhurat time, time stamps and dates are:

• 🪔 Diwali will be celebrated on – Monday, October 20, 2025
• 🌙 Amavasya Tithi will begin at 3.44 pm on October 20, 2025
• 🌙 Amavasya Tithi will end at 5.54 pm on October 21, 2025
• 💫 Lakshmi Puja Muhurat during the Pradosh Kaal is– 05.46 PM to 8.18 PM
• 🪙 Total time duration for auspicious Puja is around 2 hour 32 minutes

During this period, devotees light diyas, perform Lakshmi Puja and Ganesh Puja, chant mantras, and offer flowers, sweets, rice, and coins to the deities. Lord Ganesha is worshipped first to remove obstacles, followed by Goddess Lakshmi for blessings of wealth and abundance. Many people also worship Kuber Dev, the god of treasures, for financial prosperity.

How is it observed and commemorated

Diwali is a five day long celebration which begins with Dhanteras and concludes with Bhai Dooj. Each day of this five day is special in its own way:

• Day 1 is Dhanteras on the 18th of October, saturday : Auspicious day to purchase new items like gold, silver, Mata Lakshmi and Ganesh Ji idols and other items like broom, shubh yantra, etc.
• Day 2 is Chhoti Diwali: Houses and shop are prepared and cleaned.
• Day 3 is Main Diwali Day: Lakshmi Puja is done, diyas, lamps and lights are lit and crackers are burnt,
• Day 4 Govardhan Puja: People observing this day worship Lord Krishna and prepare Annakoot.
• Day 5 Bhai Dooj: This day is also known as Tika or Teeka and on this day, sisters wish, pray and put tilak or Teeka on brothers’ foreheads for their long life, good health and prosperity.

Conclusion

Diwali is not a celebration of lights, diya and mithai- it commemorates the deeper truth of life which is celebration of inner happiness, mental peace, relationships, sharing and virtue.

Worshipping Mata Lakshmi is not just a ritual, it is an act of faith and devotion towards the divine power. This day brings positvity along with the lights and warmth of diya, happiness and warmth in relationships along with the sweetness of mithai and the importance of community by giving gifts to everyone and showing gratitude for their support.