Festival of Light and Diya: Different Shades of Diwali

Diwali, the festival of light and Diya, is perhaps the most eagerly anticipated celebration in India. This year it is between October 18 and October 23, 2025.

With so much religious significance tied to the festivals, Diwali unleashes a palette of cultural diversity which makes each year unique. Let us find out how Diwali, top festival of India, will be celebrated in various parts of India in 2025.

Also Know: Wondering what to gift your loved ones this Diwali??

Here are the top 10 Diwali gift ideas for 2025

What are the 5 Days of Diwali?

The 5 days of Diwali serve different purposes in various parts of India, each marking a different event in the Hindu mythological calendar:

Dhanteras: Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Dhanvantari and is commemorated by celebrating God Kubar with worship and making auspicious purchases like gold, silver, and utensils to usher in health, prosperity, and wealth. People also clean and decorate their homes to begin the 5-day Diwali celebration on a good note.

Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali: Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali is celebrated in memory of Lord Krishna’s triumph over demon Narakasura, a victory of good over evil and liberation of the oppressed. It is celebrated with early morning oil bathes, lighting diyas, and bursting of crackers symbolizing inner purification and marking the beginning of the main Diwali celebrations.

Diwali: Diwali is celebrated across religions, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, with varying significance Hindus honor Lord Rama return to Ayodhya, after winning battle with Ravana. On the main day, homes glow with diyas, candles, and rangolis, as people worship Goddess Lakshmi, exchange gifts, and enjoy fireworks and festive sweets.

Govardhan Puja: Govardhan Puja is celebrating Lord Krishna lifting of Mount Govardhan to rescue the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra, symbolizing faith, worship, and divine refuge. People prepare symbolic hillocks of cow dung, offering homage to the mountain that gives them sustenance, shelter, and reinforcing community awareness, ecological respect, and gratitude.

Bhai Dooj: Bhai Dooj, the final day of Diwali, celebrates the sacred bond of love between brothers and sisters, witnessed by the Aarti and Tika ritual, whereby sisters pray for long life and prosperity for their brothers. Brothers offer gifts in return, and families meet up, and so it is a loving moment of care, safety, and friendship.

How Diwali is Celebrated in India?

Diwali is celebrated in India as a whole, but each state gives its own unique flavor to the festival. From the colorful lights and diyas to the food typical of each state, and top 10 diwali gift ideas, Diwali is unique in each state. Let us set out to see how Diwali is celebrated throughout India.

Diwali in North India

Diwali in North India, specifically in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Delhi, is being celebrated with massive decors, diyas in thousands, rangolis in rich colors, and crackers. The festival is for Lord Ram’s return from exile and has massive worship of Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity.

Diwali in South India

In South India, which is known as Deepavali, the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura is the focus. The day begins with oil bath, puja, and lighting diyas. Homes are decorated with kolams and flowers, and sweets like Adirasam and Kaju Katli are exchanged.

Diwali in East India

In the East, most significantly West Bengal and Odisha, Diwali is celebrated as Kali Puja, with worship and rituals of Goddess Kali overnight. Candles, lamps, and offerings are included in the festival along with a focus on ancestors and family traditions.

Diwali in West India

In Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, the festival is celebrated with festive fairs, lamp lighting, fireworks, and feasts. New Year is celebrated in Gujarat, while Rajasthan lights up cities like Jaipur and Udaipur with royal splendor and vibrant decoration.

Diwali in Central India

In Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Diwali is celebrated with family prayers, sweets, and fireworks. Govardhan Puja has symbolic cow dung hills and people’s meal, emphasizing harvest and piety.

Diwali in Northeast India

Diwali is not that common in Northeast India but is observed in Assam, Manipur, and Tripura through the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. Candles and oil lamps light up houses, and families come together to pray for welcoming prosperity.

Conclusion: Diwali, festival of light and Diya, 2025 – Unity in Diversity

Diwali celebrations and decorations, gloriously unites people from different regions, cultures, and traditions of India. While the festival of light and Diya wherever it is celebrated globally represents the victory of good over evil, each state adds its own unique touch to the celebrations ranging from flamboyant fireworks of North India to the tranquil prayers of South India. Barring these differences, the entire spirit of Diwali is unchanged: a joyous festival of light, life, prosperity and top 10 diwali gift ideas which brings the entire nation together in joy and festive mood.