Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. In 2025, Diwali will be celebrated on Monday, 20 October 2025. The festival marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his fourteen years of exile and the victory over Ravana. It is a day of spiritual awakening, family gatherings, joy, and devotion, marked by beautiful diyas, colorful rangolis, and heartfelt prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and peace.
Diwali 2025 Date and Timings
In 2025, Amavasya Tithi (the new moon day) of the Kartik month will begin on 20 October 2025 at 3:44 PM and end on 21 October 2025 at 5:54 PM. According to the Hindu Panchang, the most auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja falls during Pradosh Kaal, which is after sunset when day and night meet.
The Lakshmi Puja Muhurat for Diwali 2025 is expected to be from 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM (IST). This 1-hour period is considered ideal for performing the main puja rituals to seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kubera.
The Five Days of Diwali 2025
Diwali is celebrated over five consecutive days, each with its own spiritual and cultural significance.
1. Dhanteras (18 October 2025)
The first day of the festival, Dhanteras, is dedicated to wealth and health. People clean their homes, light the first lamp of the season, and purchase gold, silver, or utensils as a symbol of prosperity. Devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda, and Goddess Lakshmi for abundance and well-being.
2. Naraka Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali (19 October 2025)
The second day celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. People take an early morning holy bath, light diyas in the evening, and prepare festive sweets. This day is also symbolic of clearing away negativity and welcoming light and positivity into life.
3. Main Diwali and Lakshmi Puja (20 October 2025)
The third day is the grand celebration — the main Diwali day. Homes are beautifully decorated with lights, candles, diyas, and colorful rangolis. Families gather in the evening for Lakshmi Puja, seeking blessings for prosperity, happiness, and success. Fireworks, feasting, and exchanging gifts follow the puja.
4. Govardhan Puja (21 October 2025)
This day is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Gokul from torrential rains. Devotees prepare and offer various food items as part of the “Annakoot” feast, symbolizing gratitude for nature’s abundance.
5. Bhai Dooj (22 October 2025)
The final day of Diwali celebrations honors the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ long life and happiness, while brothers promise to protect them and offer gifts in return.
Lakshmi Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Rituals)
1. Preparation Before Puja
On Diwali day, devotees wake up early, bathe, and clean their homes thoroughly. The entrance, doors, and windows are decorated with torans, flowers, and rangolis to invite Goddess Lakshmi. The puja room or a sacred space is arranged neatly with a clean red or yellow cloth on which idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kubera are placed. Diyas, candles, incense sticks, and puja items such as rice, roli, turmeric, sandalwood, sweets, fruits, and flowers are arranged beforehand.
2. Beginning the Puja
The puja begins in the evening during the Pradosh Kaal. Devotees light an oil lamp (diya) and offer prayers to Lord Ganesha first, as he is the remover of obstacles. After offering flowers, sweets, and incense to Ganesha, the focus shifts to Goddess Lakshmi.
3. Invoking Goddess Lakshmi
The idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi is gently placed on a kalash filled with water, coins, and betel leaves, representing the seat of prosperity. The devotees chant the mantra —
“Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah”
while offering flowers and rice. A small silver or gold coin is also worshipped as a symbol of wealth.
4. Offering to the Deities
Fresh fruits, sweets, dry fruits, and special dishes like kheer and ladoo are placed before the deities as offerings. The family then performs the Aarti of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha together, using camphor or ghee lamps. Bells are rung, and the Aarti song is sung collectively, filling the home with divine energy.
5. Lighting Diyas Around the House
After the puja, diyas are lit in every corner of the house — balconies, doorsteps, and windows. It is believed that lighting lamps welcomes Goddess Lakshmi into the home and drives away negative energies. The glow of countless diyas symbolizes the spreading of light, positivity, and peace.
6. Sharing Sweets and Blessings
After the rituals, families share sweets, gifts, and good wishes. It is also considered auspicious to donate food, clothes, or money to the needy on Diwali, as acts of charity multiply the blessings received.
Significance of the Rituals
Each step of the Diwali puja has deep spiritual meaning. Cleaning the home represents removing inner negativity; lighting diyas symbolizes enlightenment and hope; and offering prayers symbolizes gratitude to the divine. The worship of Goddess Lakshmi is not only for material wealth but also for spiritual abundance — peace, harmony, and happiness.
Performing the puja during the right muhurat is believed to attract positive cosmic energies. The sacred chants and devotion purify the mind and soul, making Diwali a perfect time for self-reflection, renewal, and starting afresh with good intentions.
Diwali 2025 will once again bring joy, light, and togetherness into millions of homes. Observing the Lakshmi Puja Vidhi at the right timing with faith and devotion enhances the festival’s divine power. As diyas illuminate every corner, they remind us that light will always triumph over darkness and goodness will always overcome evil.
Celebrate this Diwali with a clean heart, a peaceful mind, and a giving spirit. Let every lamp you light symbolize hope, wisdom, and prosperity — not just in your home, but in the world around you.
0 Comments