Diwali 2025: The Meaning, Traditions, and Global Spirit of the Festival of Lights

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October 20, 2025 | 10:34 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Diwali, or Deepavali, widely known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Though rooted in India, the festival is also observed with great enthusiasm in countries such as Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.

In 2025, Diwali falls on October 20, marking a five-day celebration that begins with Dhanteras and concludes with Bhai Dooj. The highlight of the festival is the lighting of small clay lamps, or diyas, which symbolize the victory of light and hope over despair and ignorance.

Across India, homes are decorated with vibrant rangoli patterns made of colored powders, rice flour, or flower petals, welcoming Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. On Lakshmi Puja night, rows of glowing diyas illuminate courtyards and doorsteps, creating a warm, spiritual atmosphere.

According to the BBC, the tradition is inspired by the Ramayana and represents the cleansing of one’s surroundings, both physical and spiritual, where light serves as a beacon of renewal and faith.

Dhanteras: The Day of Prosperity

The festivities begin with Dhanteras, a day that symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. Tradition calls for lighting 13 diyas, each representing a specific blessing—placed at the entrance to welcome guests and wealth, in the kitchen for abundance, and in the prayer room to honor the gods.

As noted by the Hindustan Times, each lamp is believed to radiate positive energy, filling the home with light and hope for the coming year.

Dhanteras also marks the auspicious purchase of gold, silver, or new household items, believed to attract blessings and prosperity.

The day commemorates the birth of Dhanvantari, the god of medicine. Despite global economic pressures, markets in cities like Mumbai often bustle with activity as families invest in gold, a long-standing symbol of good fortune, according to the BBC.

Choti Diwali: Spreading Sweetness and Light

The following day, known as Choti Diwali, continues the spirit of illumination. Lighting 14 diyas in a specific arrangement is considered auspicious—11 around the edge of a plate and four in the center, which are lit first. Some households add sugar or candy to the diyas, symbolizing the wish for a life filled with sweetness and prosperity.

While fireworks remain a hallmark of Diwali celebrations, their environmental impact has drawn increasing concern. As The Guardian reports, cities like New Delhi have introduced restrictions on traditional fireworks to curb pollution, encouraging the use of eco-friendly alternatives instead.

Bhai Dooj: Honoring the Bond Between Siblings

The final day, Bhai Dooj, celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. As described by Incredible India, the festival centers on the Aarti and Tika ceremony, during which sisters apply a red mark on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their well-being and long life. In return, brothers express their love through heartfelt gifts.

Similar in sentiment to Raksha Bandhan, Bhai Dooj reinforces the sacred relationship between sibling, a cherished reminder of love, protection, and gratitude.

In a country where festivals often highlight family and togetherness, Bhai Dooj stands out as a beautiful celebration of sibling affection, rounding off Diwali with warmth and emotional connection.

Editor’s Choice: 7 Traditional Indian Sweets to Celebrate Diwali 2025

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