When is Diwali 2025?

Introduction

Every year, as the air gets crisper and the evenings start to smell faintly of marigold and ghee, there’s one question that keeps popping up — “When is Diwali this year?” If you’ve been wondering too, here’s your answer: Diwali 2025 is on Tuesday, October 21.

Yep, mark it down. Take that day off. Or don’t — you probably won’t get any work done anyway.

What All Happens During Diwali? Rituals and Pujas

Diwali isn’t a single evening thing. It’s a five-day marathon of cleaning, praying, eating, and repeating. And honestly? That’s the fun of it.

Here’s a quick peek at the five-day rundown:

Why Do We Celebrate Diwali or Deepavali?

Ah, the golden question: “When and why is Diwali celebrated?” Well, there isn’t just one answer.

In the North, it’s to welcome Lord Rama home after 14 long years. In the South, it’s about Lord Krishna defeating a demon. Gujarat ties it to the start of a new financial year. Everyone’s got their version — but what ties it all together is this: good over evil, light over darkness.

And honestly, even if you’re not religious, there’s something comforting about that.

Diwali Celebrations

Diwali is all about happiness and togetherness. There’s lights all around the city. That’s why Diwali is also called Festival of Lights.

Homes sparkle. Kids run around in new clothes. The kitchen smells delicious. Your family gets busy in preparing for laxmi puja in evening.

Evening arrives and families gather for Lakshmi Puja. Lamps are lit. Wishes are made. Then come the sweets, the selfies, and sometimes, a few well-behaved firecrackers (or not, depending on your building society).

Do Things Shut Down Around Diwali?

Oh yes, they do. Schools go on break, shops extend their hours (because Diwali sales, obviously), and offices either close early or stay shut altogether.

Even the stock market takes a brief pause — except for the Muhurat Trading, a symbolic one-hour window of optimism and fresh beginnings.

So, whether you keep it simple or plan a big celebration, it helps to know your dates. Diwali 2025 falls on Tuesday, October 21.

The Classic Diwali Must-Haves

Certain things just make Diwali what it is — no matter which part of India you’re in:

Oil Lamps (Diyas): More than just decor — they’re believed to bring in good energy and keep the bad vibes away.

Rangoli Designs: Made with colours, flowers, or even rice — these cheerful patterns at the doorstep are all about inviting prosperity in.

Sweets: Laddoos, barfis, kaju katli — it’s the one time of year where “just one more” is always justified.

New Clothes: Be it a crisp kurta or a bright saree, there’s something about wearing new clothes that just adds to the festive spirit.

Fireworks: These days, a lot of people go for peaceful, eco-friendly ways to celebrate — but for some, Diwali just isn’t the same without a bit of sparkle in the sky.

Best Places to Soak in the Diwali Vibe

You can feel Diwali pretty much everywhere in India. But some cities take it up a notch:

Varanasi – Fireworks over the Ganga? Unmatched.

Jaipur – Even the local markets dress up better than most of us.

Goa – Home to dramatic effigies and coastal Diwali parties.

Amritsar – The Golden Temple lit up? That’s a memory.

Kolkata – It’s Kali Puja season here, and the vibe is electric.

FAQs

Q: When is big Diwali in 2025?

A: Tuesday, October 21. That’s the main day of Lakshmi Puja and all the real action.

Q: Is Diwali the same every year?

A: No, It follows the lunar calendar, so dates shift slightly every year. That’s why you hear so many people ask “When is Diwali this year?”

Q: When and why is Diwali celebrated in so many different ways?

A: Short answer? India. Long answer? Different regions follow different traditions — all rooted in light, victory, and starting afresh.

Q: How early should I start prepping?

A: If you’re a planner, start after Dussehra. If you’re like most of us… 48 hours before works too.

So, now you know when is Diwali 2025, and hopefully a little more about why it feels the way it does. No matter where or how you celebrate, Diwali brings one thing we all need more of — hope. And some really good sweets.

Light those lamps. Call your family. Make that rangoli. October 21 is around the corner.