Light the lamp of love in your heart. Light the flame of wisdom in your mind. Light the steady candle of faith in your resolve. Light the fire of strength that exists within you, waiting. It is Divali time. – Divya Prabha

In the Vedic Calendar, the new moon connected to the debilitated Sun in Libra marks one of the darkest parts of the year when light seems extinguished and depression and fear can reign. The ancients knew to counteract this energy with festivals and the bringing in of more light – hence we have the wonderful holiday of Diwali to cheer us up and take us out of the darkness.

This year, Diwali celebrations span five sacred days from October 18th through October 22nd, 2025. The Sun reaches its deepest debilitation point at 10 degrees Libra on Oct 27, and the most important Lakshmi Puja will be performed on Monday, October 20th during the new moon – the darkest night when we light candles to bring light to the darkest part of the year.

The Five Days of Celebration

From the onset of autumn, people start gearing up to celebrate the festival. Each day carries its own special significance and sacred timing:

Day 1: Dhanteras (Saturday, October 18th) – The Festival of Wealth begins with lamps ritually kept burning all through the night in honor of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of medicine and health, and Goddess Lakshmi. This is the most auspicious day for purchasing gold, silver, or utensils, as these acquisitions are believed to bring prosperity.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi/Choti Diwali (Sunday, October 19th) – Early morning begins with the ritual Abhyang Snan (holy oil bath) before sunrise, commemorating Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Homes are decorated with colorful floor patterns called rangoli, and women adorn their hands with intricate henna designs.

Day 3: Main Diwali – Deepavali (Monday, October 20th) – The pinnacle of celebrations when we worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Kuber. Relatives, family and friends acknowledge important relationships by exchanging gifts and sweets. Diyas are lit throughout homes, transforming darkness into a sea of light. This is the most auspicious day for starting new ventures as the goddess blesses your new desires and actions.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja/Annakut (Tuesday, October 21st) – Celebrating Krishna’s lifting of Govardhan Hill to protect devotees, this day features grand food offerings (Annakut) in temples, representing gratitude and abundance.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj/Yama Dwitiya (Wednesday, October 22nd) – The festivities conclude with sisters applying tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and exchanging gifts, celebrating the sacred sibling bond.

The Spiritual Significance

People worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, alongside Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles, and Kuber, the treasurer of wealth. Before the night of Diwali, families clean, renovate, and decorate their homes and offices. They dress in new clothes, light up lamps and candles, and participate in pujas worshipping these deities.

After puja, fireworks follow, then a family feast that includes the exchange of sweets and gifts between family members, friends, and loved ones. For many businessmen, Monday October 20th is also the day when they start a new financial year with the adoption of a fresh ‘bahi khata’ or accounts book, after offering it to goddess Lakshmi. They believe that with her blessings, it will be a profitable year for them.

Ancient Roots and Mythology

The festival is mentioned in Sanskrit scriptures such as Skanda Purana and Padma Purana. The diyas or tiny lamps are said to be symbolic of parts of the sun – the cosmic light and energy giver to all.

According to popular mythology, Diwali is associated with Yama and Nachiketa on Karthik Amavasya, the new moon night of Diwali. This story is revered through the ages as being about right versus wrong, true wealth and knowledge. This is why people celebrate Diwali as the Festival of Light, which signifies knowledge, prosperity and wisdom.

The mythology varies by region and tradition:

• Many celebrate Diwali in remembrance of the return of Rama and Sita after 14 years of exile
• Others honor it as the return of Pandavas after 12 years of vanvas and a year of agyatvas
• In South India, Naraka Chaturdashi commemorates Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura
• The Govardhan Puja recalls Krishna’s protection of the people from Indra’s wrath

In a seventh century Sanskrit play, King Harsha mentions “Deepapratipadutsava,” when lamps are lit and newly married couples are given gifts, in remembrance of the god Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi’s marriage. By the ninth century, Rajasekhara referred to “Deepavali” as “Dipamalika,” describing the tradition of homes being cleaned and streets and markets being decorated with lights in the night.

A Time for Inner Light

As we move through this five-day festival of lights from October 18-22, remember that Diwali is more than external celebration – it’s about kindling the inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness. In this time when the outer light seems most diminished, we are called to discover and nurture the eternal flame within ourselves.

Each of the five days offers its own opportunity for transformation:

• Dhanteras for material and spiritual wealth
• Choti Diwali for victory over our inner demons
• Main Diwali for inviting divine prosperity and removing obstacles
• Govardhan Puja for gratitude and divine protection
• Bhai Dooj for honoring sacred relationships

May this Diwali bring prosperity, wisdom, and the triumph of light over darkness in all aspects of your life.

Special note of thanks to Komilla Sutton, Jamie Bateman, and other sources for assistance in gathering information on special Hindu holidays.