The time of vibrant colours, amazing food, twinkling lights, and fireworks is upon us – Diwali 2025 has arrived!
What is Diwali?
Known as the festival of lights, the word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit term Deepavali, which means ‘row of lights. The five-day event is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains worldwide. During the festival, people decorate houses, shops and public places with small oil lamps called diyas. The lamps are also set adrift on rivers and streams, and doors and windows of houses are kept open to encourage Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, to find her way inside and bless the residents with wealth and success.
When is Diwali?
Diwali always falls between October and November. The date varies each year, as the Hindu calendar is based on the lunar cycle.
The festival lasts for 5-6 days, but the main celebration of Diwali 2025 is scheduled for October 20th. The celebrations will begin on October 18th with Dhanteras. Each day of Diwali holds a different meaning:
Day 1: Dhanteras – Wealth & Prosperity
Day 2: Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) – Victory & Hope
Day 3: Diwali (Laxmi Pujan) – Dawn & Rebirth
Day 4: Govardhan Puja, Annakut – Nature & Eco-Conservation
Day 5: Bhai Dooj, yama Dwitiya – Love & Protection
How is Diwali celebrated?
Some ways that Hindus celebrate the festival include spring cleaning the home, wearing new clothes, decorating buildings with lights, exchanging gifts and preparing meals, and fireworks displays.
Diwali Festival London
This year, in London, there will be the annual public celebration in Trafalgar Square on Saturday, 12th October, from 1pm to 7pm.
You can expect various cultural activities such as sari and turban tying, yoga, meditation, puppet shows and dance workshops, henna, and a bustling market and food stalls offering a delicious array of vegan and vegetarian delights.
There will also be an amazing dance sequence with 200 dancers and a main stage showcasing performances from London’s Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities.
Happy Diwali!