Significance of 5 days of Diwali

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is much more than a festival. It's a radiant celebration of victory over darkness, of good triumphing over evil, and of the return of hope, prosperity, and spiritual clarity. Every year, millions across India and the world eagerly await this glittering festival, decorating homes with lamps, preparing sweets, and coming together in joyous harmony.

But Diwali is not just one day of celebration; it’s a five-day festival, each day carrying deep cultural, spiritual, and historical meaning.

As we look forward to Diwali 2025, it's the perfect time to understand the significance of the 5 days of Diwali, how each day is celebrated, and why this ancient tradition continues to hold immense importance in modern times.

Let’s explore the 5 days of Diwali 2025, their meaning, and how they illuminate different aspects of life.

Diwali 2025 Dates at a Glance

The five days of Diwali in 2025 fall on the following dates:

Each of these days holds its own sacred significance, rituals, and stories that tie into the larger significance of Diwali.

Day 1: Dhanteras – Welcoming Prosperity and Health

Date: October 18, 2025

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festival. The word “Dhan” means wealth, and “Teras” refers to the 13th day of the lunar calendar. On this day, devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, who is believed to have emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), bringing the gift of health and healing. It is also considered highly auspicious to purchase gold, silver, or new utensils, symbolising the invitation of wealth and abundance into the home. Many households begin their Diwali cleaning and decoration on this day, signifying the removal of negative energies. The lighting of the first diya on Dhanteras marks the symbolic start of five days of illumination, joy, and prosperity.

Key Traditions:

• Buying gold, silver, or new utensils (considered auspicious): Purchasing precious metals or new kitchenware on Dhanteras is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune. Gold and silver are seen as symbols of wealth, while utensils represent abundance in the household. It’s a way of inviting Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, into one’s life.
• Lighting the first oil lamp of Diwali in homes: The first diya (oil lamp) of the Diwali season is lit at dusk on Dhanteras to drive away darkness and negative energy. This symbolic light marks the beginning of five days of spiritual celebration and is believed to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and her blessings into the home.
• Worshipping Dhanvantari, Kubera, and Lakshmi for wealth and well-being: Special prayers are offered to Lord Dhanvantari for health, healing, and long life (as the god of Ayurveda), Lord Kubera for wealth, financial growth, and smart money management, and Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, abundance, and good fortune. This combined worship emphasises the importance of holistic well-being, physical health, financial stability, and spiritual harmony.

Cultural Significance:

Dhanteras is more than material wealth. It’s about inviting prosperity, wellness, and good fortune into one's life and home. It sets the tone for the spiritual journey that unfolds over the next few days. The act of cleaning and decorating the house symbolises the removal of negative energies and the preparation to receive divine blessings.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali – The Triumph of Light Over Darkness

Date: October 19, 2025

Also known as Choti Diwali, this day commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. It symbolises the elimination of inner darkness and ignorance. Traditionally, people wake up before sunrise for a sacred oil bath, believed to purify the body and soul. Homes are decorated with lamps and rangoli, preparing for the grand celebrations of the next day. Families prepare festive sweets and light small fireworks to mark the triumph of good over evil. Choti Diwali serves as a gentle reminder to cleanse not just our surroundings, but also our thoughts and actions.

Key Traditions:

• Early morning oil bath (abhyanga snan) before sunrise: Taking an oil bath before sunrise is considered highly auspicious on this day. It symbolises the cleansing of the body and mind, washing away negativity and evil influences. Many also apply sandalwood paste and wear new clothes as a fresh start ahead of the main Diwali celebration.
• Lighting lamps around the house: Diyas are lit in and around the home to dispel darkness and invite positivity. The soft glow of these lamps is believed to guide divine energy into the household. It’s a simple yet powerful gesture that signifies hope, clarity, and inner illumination.
• Bursting small crackers: Firecrackers are lit in moderation to celebrate the defeat of Narakasura and the arrival of joy. The sound is believed to drive away evil spirits and bring in a festive atmosphere. This tradition, though modernised, still holds symbolic value across many households.
• Preparing homemade sweets and snacks: Families begin preparing traditional delicacies like laddoos, chaklis, and namkeens. These treats are not just for indulgence, but also for sharing love with neighbours and guests. The kitchen becomes the heart of the home, radiating warmth, aroma, and festivity.

Cultural Significance:

Choti Diwali emphasises spiritual cleansing, symbolised through the early morning bath. It’s believed that taking a holy bath and lighting lamps on this day purifies the body and mind, removing negativity. This ritual prepares individuals to receive the divine blessings of Diwali with a pure heart and renewed spirit. It also signifies the inner transformation required to move from ignorance to awareness.

Day 3: Diwali / Lakshmi Puja – The Main Festival of Lights

Date: October 20, 2025

This is the most important day of the Diwali festival and is celebrated with grandeur across India and beyond. This day marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana. In Gujarat, it marks the start of a new financial year, and in other parts of India, it’s the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Homes are adorned with vibrant rangoli, candles, and strings of lights to welcome Lakshmi and usher in prosperity. Families gather in the evening for Lakshmi Puja, offering prayers for abundance, success, and harmony.

Key Traditions:

• Performing Lakshmi Puja in the evening: The evening of Diwali is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, seeking her blessings for wealth, fortune, and success. Families prepare their altars with flowers, sweets, incense, and coins, performing the puja with devotion and gratitude. It’s believed that a clean, well-lit home and a sincere heart invite Lakshmi’s presence.
• Decorating homes with diyas, rangoli, and lights: Homes sparkle with rows of earthen lamps (diyas), colourful rangoli designs, and string lights, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Every decoration carries a symbolic message, light over darkness, creativity, and joy. It’s not just visual beauty; it’s a sacred invitation to divine energies.
• Family feasts and exchanging gifts: Diwali is a time of bonding, and elaborate meals bring families together in celebration. Gifting sweets, dry fruits, and thoughtful presents is a way of expressing love, gratitude, and well-wishes. It strengthens relationships and creates cherished memories.
• Bursting fireworks: Fireworks are burst in the evening to celebrate the victory of good over evil, lighting up the sky with colour and sound. Traditionally, the noise was believed to drive away evil spirits and mark a fresh beginning. Today, many opt for eco-friendly alternatives, keeping the spirit alive while being mindful of the environment.

Cultural Significance:

Lakshmi Puja is the heart of the festival. Devotees believe that on this night, Goddess Lakshmi visits homes and blesses those who have cleaned and decorated their spaces with love and devotion. This is a time for gratitude, financial blessings, and spiritual light. Families chant mantras, offer sweets, and light diyas to honour her presence and invite abundance.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja / Annakut – Celebrating Nature and Gratitude

Date: October 21, 2025

The fourth day of Diwali is dedicated to Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill to protect villagers from torrential rains, an act of shelter and care. This day is all about offering gratitude to nature and the divine for nourishment and protection. Devotees create small replicas of the Govardhan hill using cow dung, flowers, or food, and worship it with devotion. Special prayers and rituals are performed to honour Mother Earth, crops, and cattle, the sources of sustenance. It’s a reminder to live in harmony with nature and respect the ecosystems that support life.

Key Traditions:

• Creating a small Govardhan hill from cow dung or food grains: Devotees craft a symbolic model of Govardhan Hill using cow dung, mud, flowers, or grains, often adorned with miniature figures of Lord Krishna, animals, and villagers. This representation is worshipped as a gesture of respect for Lord Krishna’s act of protection and as a reminder of our deep bond with nature.
• Offering a feast (Annakut) with dozens of food items: The term Annakut means “mountain of food.” Devotees prepare and arrange a grand offering of sweets, vegetables, rice, and snacks, symbolising gratitude for nature’s bounty. The food is later distributed as prasadam, promoting the spirit of sharing and community.
• Worshipping cows and nature: Cows, considered sacred in Hinduism, are bathed, decorated with garlands, and worshipped on this day. This tradition honours their vital role in agriculture and daily life. It’s also a time to acknowledge and thank the environment for providing sustenance, urging us to live with ecological mindfulness.

Cultural Significance:

Govardhan Puja is symbolic of humility, protection, and gratitude. It reminds us of our connection with nature, our dependence on it, and the importance of protecting it. The story of Lord Krishna lifting the hill teaches us that true strength lies in compassion and responsibility. This day encourages sustainable living and respect for all forms of life.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj / Bhaiya Duj – Celebrating Sibling Bonds

Date: October 22, 2025

The final day of the Diwali festival is all about the bond between brothers and sisters. It is believed that on this day, Yamraj (the god of death) visited his sister Yami, who welcomed him with love and aarti. He granted her a boon that any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on this day will be protected from evil and live a long life. This tradition celebrates the deep emotional connection, mutual respect, and lifelong support shared between siblings. It’s a day of heartfelt rituals, meaningful gifts, and reaffirming family ties.

Key Traditions:

• Sisters perform aarti and apply a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads: This sacred ritual is performed to pray for the brothers’ long life, prosperity, and protection from harm. The tilak signifies blessings, and the aarti is an expression of love and reverence.
• Brothers offer gifts and promise to protect their sisters: In return, brothers give thoughtful gifts and renew their lifelong vow to support and safeguard their sisters. This mutual exchange strengthens the emotional bond and trust between siblings.
• Family meals and sweets are shared: The celebration is often followed by a special family lunch or dinner, where favourite dishes and traditional sweets are enjoyed together. It’s a time for laughter, storytelling, and making cherished memories.

Cultural Significance:

Bhai Dooj highlights the value of family, relationships, and emotional protection. It's a beautiful reminder of love that transcends rituals, emphasising connection and unity. The celebration reinforces the importance of being present for one another, not just on festive days, but throughout life. In today’s fast-paced world, Bhai Dooj offers a moment to pause and appreciate the unbreakable bond between siblings.

The Broader Significance of Diwali: A Festival Beyond Boundaries

The importance of Diwali goes far beyond rituals. It has spiritual, emotional, economic, and environmental layers:

• Spiritual Light: Diwali is a journey inward. Lighting lamps is symbolic of illuminating the soul, overcoming the ego, and connecting with divine consciousness.
• Cultural Unity: Across India – from the Ramayana celebrations in the North, to Kali Puja in the East, to Lakshmi worship in the West and South – Diwali unites people across regions and beliefs.
• Economic Revival: For artisans, craftsmen, traders, and retailers, Diwali is the biggest season of the year. It energises markets and fuels the local economy.
• Social Bonding: Through gifting, feasting, and gathering, Diwali strengthens relationships and reminds people of the joy of giving and gratitude.
• Environmental Awareness: In recent years, more people are embracing eco-friendly Diwali celebrations, using biodegradable diyas, minimising firecrackers, and focusing on sustainability.

Top Places in India to Experience the 5 Glorious Days of Diwali:

Varanasi & Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, the twin spiritual centres of Varanasi and Ayodhya showcase Diwali at its most divine and majestic. Varanasi glows during Dev Deepawali, when the ghats of the Ganga come alive with millions of diyas, Ganga Aarti, and soulful chants, creating a breathtaking spiritual spectacle.

Meanwhile, Ayodhya, the legendary home of Lord Rama, recreates his triumphant return with Ram Leela performances, grand processions, and deepdaan ceremonies along the Sarayu River. Together, these cities offer a profound blend of devotion, mythology, and dazzling light displays, making them unmissable for those wishing to witness the full significance of the 5 days of Diwali.

Where to stay:

Praveg Tent City Ayodhya Brahma Kund Resort in Uttar Pradesh offers a comfortable way to experience the sacred city during Diwali. Nestled near the holy ghats, the resort in Ayodhya combines modern comfort with a spiritual atmosphere. Guests can enjoy vibrant festivities while staying close to the heart of the city’s cultural and religious celebrations.

Jaipur, Rajasthan

Jaipur transforms into a glowing masterpiece with every market, monument, and home bathed in lights. The city even holds a competition for the best-lit market, turning the entire place into a festival of colour and light. Traditional Rajasthani celebrations and shopping add to the grandeur of the 5 days.

Where to stay:

Club Mahindra Jaipur Resort in Rajasthan is the perfect getaway to experience the royal charm of the Pink City during Diwali. This resort in Jaipur offers a blend of traditional Rajasthani hospitality and modern comforts, making your festive stay memorable. Guests can enjoy local delicacies, cultural performances, and the city’s dazzling Diwali light displays.

Ahmedabad, Gujarat

In Ahmedabad, Diwali is both spiritual and commercial, marking the start of the new financial year for traders. The city is alive with Lakshmi Puja rituals, colourful rangolis, and sweets flooding every corner. The festivities seamlessly blend tradition with community celebrations across all 5 days.

Where to stay:

Club Mahindra Kensville Golf Resort in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, offers a serene retreat amidst lush greenery, perfect for a festive escape during Diwali. This resort in Ahmedabad combines comfort with leisure, featuring world-class golfing alongside warm Gujarati hospitality. Guests can enjoy the city’s vibrant Diwali markets and return to the resort’s peaceful ambience for relaxation.

Mysuru, Karnataka

Mysuru offers a southern flavour to Diwali, with temples adorned in flowers and homes lit with oil lamps. The city’s royal heritage adds charm, especially as the Mysore Palace glows in synchronised lighting. Celebrations here are more serene, with an emphasis on cultural rituals and family gatherings.

Where to stay:

Club Mahindra Golden Landmark Resort in Mysuru, Karnataka, offers a tranquil stay to soak in the city’s festive charm during Diwali. This resort in Mysuru blends comfort with Mysuru’s cultural elegance, creating the perfect balance of relaxation and celebration. Guests can explore the illuminated Mysore Palace and return to the resort for warm hospitality and traditional delicacies.

A Club Mahindra membership opens the doors to magical holidays across the globe. With access to over 140+ Club Mahindra resorts worldwide, members can enjoy unique experiences in India and international destinations alike. From festive getaways during Diwali to serene retreats in nature, every stay is designed to create lasting memories. It’s not just a holiday plan; it’s a lifetime of unforgettable experiences with family and loved ones.

Diwali is not just a festival; it’s a reminder. A reminder that no matter how dark the world may seem, there is always a light within us waiting to shine. The 5 days of Diwali are not only sacred, they are symbolic of everything that matters: health, wealth, gratitude, love, and the triumph of good.

As we prepare for Diwali 2025, may we carry forward the spirit of this beautiful celebration in our homes, hearts, and communities. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and prosperous Diwali!