In a few days, India will celebrate one of the most beautiful holidays that lights up the hearts and streets of India. Find out what Diwali is - the brightest holiday in India. Traditions, legends, interesting facts and reasons why 2025 is the perfect time to visit the country during the festival of lights

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As Diwali approaches, India turns into a veritable sea of ​​lights. The streets are lit up with lights, houses are decorated with flowers, and the air is filled with the scent of sandalwood, spices, and sweets. Every fall, more than a billion people around the world – Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists – celebrate Diwali, or Deepavali, one of the most important and grandest festivals in South Asia.

The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance. And while it has its own religious roots for each community, for millions of people around the world, Diwali is a celebration of hope, renewal, and unity.

Everything you need to know about Diwali celebrations in 2025 is told in this article.

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What is Diwali and when is it celebrated?

The name “Diwali” comes from the Sanskrit word deepavali, which means “row of lights”. That is why during this period in India everything literally shines – from small clay lamps called diyas to huge illuminations in cities.

Usually the holiday falls in October or November. In 2025, the main celebrations will take place on October 20. In total, the festival lasts five days and each of the five days has a special meaning:

- Dhanteres is a day of purification and renewal, when new things are bought for good luck.

- Choti Diwali is a symbol of Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.

- Diwali, or Lakshmi Puja, is the main day of the festival, when families gather together, pray to the goddess Lakshmi, and light hundreds of lamps.

- Padwa is a day of marital devotion and veneration of Lord Krishna.

- Bhai Duj is a festival of brothers and sisters, emphasizing the importance of family ties.

Myths and Meaning of the Diwali Festival

Stories about Diwali vary depending on the region, but they all convey the idea of ​​good conquering evil.

In northern India, they celebrate the return of Prince Rama and his wife Sita after defeating the demon Ravana. In southern regions, they recall the exploits of Krishna, who liberated people from the tyranny of Narakasura. For Sikhs, this day has a different meaning - the liberation of Guru Hargobind and 52 Indian princes, which is why they call it Bandi Chhor Diwas, “Liberation Day.”

Jains consider Diwali to be the day when their last spiritual leader, Mahavira, attained enlightenment, and some Buddhists celebrate it as the day Emperor Ashoka accepted his faith.

How Diwali is celebrated: traditions that shine

Indian cities and villages during this period are transformed into an amazing display of light, colors and aromas. Homes are cleaned and decorated down to the smallest detail - it is believed that the goddess Lakshmi will only visit a clean and hospitable home.

The main decoration is dhikr, clay lamps that are lit on window sills, roofs and courtyards. They symbolize the light that drives away darkness. Rangoli is created in the courtyards - bright patterns made of colored sand, flowers and spices. In the evening, fireworks are set off, and the air is filled with the aroma of traditional sweets - laddu, barfi, jalebi.

For Indians, it is also a time of generosity and renewal: people exchange gifts, buy new clothes, visit temples, set off fireworks and pray for prosperity.

10 incredible facts about Diwali

1. Diwali is celebrated not only by Hindus - Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists join in.

2. It is the beginning of the new Hindu year.

3. The name means “row of lights” - and it is literally: millions of lamps illuminate India.

4. The main goddess of the holiday is Lakshmi, the patroness of prosperity.

5. In Bengal, the goddess Kali is worshiped, and in Nepal - Lord Krishna.

6. Diwali is a time of family gatherings, new clothes and sweets.

7. Rangoli - traditional drawings at the entrance to the house - a symbol of good luck.

8. During this period, it is customary to play cards - for good luck in the new year.

9. The holiday is celebrated all over the world, including in the UK, Canada, Fiji and Malaysia.

10. The city of Leicester in the UK holds the largest Diwali celebration outside of India, with tens of thousands of people gathering for light shows and concerts.

Why is Diwali 2025 the best time to visit India?

Diwali is not just a holiday, it is a state of mind of India. For travelers, this period is a unique opportunity to see the country in its brightest image.

During the festival, India is filled with special energy. Each city has its own atmosphere:

- Goa - a combination of beach vacation and night celebrations;

- Jaipur - a fairy-tale city, illuminated by thousands of lamps on ancient palaces;

- Udaipur - a romantic "city of lakes", where the reflection of lamps in the water creates magic;

- Delhi and Mumbai - megacities that never sleep, especially during fireworks and festive fairs.

This time is ideal for tourists, because:

1. The weather in October-November is comfortable - without heat and rain.

2. Cultural events, fairs, street performances take place in each city;

3. You can observe real rituals that have not been turned into a commercial show;

4. The atmosphere of hospitality at this time is simply incredible - Indians invite even strangers to join the festive table.

Diwali 2025 is an opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic culture, try dishes that are prepared only once a year, and see India full of light and joy.

Tips for travelers planning a trip to India for Diwali

- Book accommodation in advance - hotels fill up quickly during Diwali.

- In large cities, there are many holiday discounts on transport and tours.

- Respect local traditions - you don't have to be religious to feel the spirit of the holiday.

- Bring comfortable shoes and an openness to new experiences - because Diwali is not just watched, it is lived.

Diwali is a moment when lights symbolize not only faith, but also the human capacity for goodness, love and hope. During this festival, India opens its doors to the world – and everyone who comes here in October 2025 will feel that the bright lights of Diwali light up not only lamps, but also hearts.

Diwali 2025 is not just a trip. It is an opportunity to see the light that never goes out!

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