Diwali 2025: Know its Sacred Meaning, Significance and Rituals

Diwali is one of the revered festivals in India. Originating from the Sanskrit word Deepawali means Row of Lights. Popularly known as the Festival of Lights, it is celebrated not just in India, but also in other countries, including Fiji, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mauritius, and Singapore. 

Just like Christmas in the West, people in India celebrate Diwali with much joy and excitement. This five-day festive event commences from Dhanteras, considered auspicious for buying gold and silver. 

It is followed by Choti Diwali, also called Naraka Chaturdashi, and then the main day, marking  Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya and Laxmi Puja. In today's blog, we explain the significance of this auspicious festival, which will be celebrated on 20th and 21st October 2025. 

Diwali is a festival that brings people together, irrespective of caste and religion. This day, people clean and decorate their homes, light diyas, wear new clothes, and exchange gifts/sweets. 

To alleviate the excitement, family and friends gather together and indulge in bursting firecrackers at night. The celebration of Diwali marks the fresh beginning of a new year in the Hindu calendar. The festival symbolises victory over evil and hope over despair. 

Diwali 2025: Mythological Legends Behind The Festival Of Lights

This widely popular festival has stories from mythology behind it. The one we are familiar with is the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. But beyond this, there are other stories you might not have heard before. 

Referring to another legend, it marks the famous event of Samudra Manthan, which led to the advent of Goddess Lakshmi, the symbol of wealth and prosperity. Her appearance during Diwali is auspicious as it welcomes good fortune.

Apart from Hinduism, Diwali has a historical significance in other religions. From the Sikhism context, it coincides with the celebration of 'Bandi Chorr Diwas.' It commemorates the day when Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth guru, was released with other 52 Hindu kings from Mughal captivity in 1619.

In Jainism, Diwali is celebrated to mark the day of Lord Mahavira's attaining nirvana. He was the last Tirthankara. In Nepal, Newar Buddhists celebrate Diwali to mark the day when Ashoka the Great chose Buddhism. 

In eastern India, during this festival, people worship Goddess Kali due to the belief that on this day she appeared with 64,000 Yoginis and killed demons. 

Whereas in the southern part, the festival celebrates Lord Krishna's triumph over Narakasura. With this victory, he freed 16,000 women who were held captive by the latter demon king. 

Some say it was Satyabhama, one of Krishna’s prominent queens, who killed him, after he saw her husband getting wounded. After killing Narakasura, Krishna crowned his son Bhagdatta as the new king. 

Diwali Puja Rituals

Now, take a look at the rituals you have to follow when celebrating Diwali.

Cleaning and Decoration

• Cleaning your house before Diwali rituals is considered essential. It is said to eliminate negativity and embrace positivity.
• To add a festive touch, decorate your house with hanging torans, string lighting, paintings, colourful curtains, cushions, floating candles, floral garlands, and lots more.

Artistic Rangoli

• Apart from home decor, rangolis with coloured powders, flowers, or rice are an essential part of the Diwali ritual.
• Having them brings an influx of divine energy and positive vibes to your home. More importantly, it marks the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi.
• So pick a rangoli design that resonates with your festive mood. 

Lighting Lamps & Candles

• Since Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights, illuminate your house with diyas and candles both indoors and outdoors.
• Doing this signifies the victory of light over darkness. The tradition continues since Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after his 14 years of exile and killing Ravana.

Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi & Lord Ganesh

• Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh are two of the revered deities known in the Hindu religion. Worshipping them is considered very auspicious during Diwali Puja.
• Where Goddess Lakshmi stands for wealth and prosperity, Lord Ganesh is known for overcoming obstacles and new beginnings.
• While performing their aarti, offer them sweets and flowers and pray for their divine blessings.

Exchanging sweets and Prasads

• Sweets are an integral part of any festive occasion, including Diwali. People celebrate it by sharing sweets with loved ones.
• It begins with offering to deities as prasad, and is distributed among family members, friends, and neighbours afterwards.
• The sharing of sweets during Diwali signifies communal harmony and reminds us to share our joys with each other, irrespective of religion and caste. 

Conclusion

Diwali is a festival of lights that enlightens our lives with positivity and with the divine grace of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh. Beyond a festival, Diwali is a moment of joy that fosters harmony among family, friends, and other people who have relevance in your life. 

Today, in this blog, we have not only briefed you about the rituals but also the mythological legends behind this elated festival. Wishing you a bright and joyous Diwali, full of happiness and abundance!