Deepavali, more commonly known as Diwali, is one of the most loved and widely celebrated festivals in India. It is a festival that lights up not just homes but also hearts, bringing together families, friends and communities in joy and harmony. Known as the Festival of Lights, it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. In 2025, Deepavali will be celebrated on Tuesday, 21st October.

The history of Deepavali is rooted in several legends that highlight its rich cultural and spiritual significance. In North India, the festival commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with Goddess Sita and Lakshmana, to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. To welcome them, the people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps and since then, lighting lamps has become the central tradition of Diwali. In South India, the day marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the end of darkness and tyranny. In Western India, it is also associated with the worship of Goddess Laxmi, the bringer of prosperity, as it falls on Amavasya (new moon night), considered auspicious for inviting wealth and fortune.

Deepavali is called the Festival of Lights because of the tradition of illuminating homes, streets and temples with rows of diyas (earthen lamps), candles and decorative lights. The glow of the lamps represents the victory of inner light and goodness that drives away negativity and despair. It is also a time when families and communities come together to celebrate life’s blessings, exchange gifts and spread happiness, making it a festival that truly shines in every sense.

The celebrations of Deepavali span across five days in many regions. The first day, Dhanteras, is dedicated to wealth and prosperity, when people buy gold, silver or utensils as a sign of good fortune. The second day, Naraka Chaturdashi (or Choti Diwali), marks the destruction of Narakasura by Lord Krishna. The third day is the main Diwali day, when Laxmi Puja is performed and homes are lit up beautifully.

The fourth day, Govardhan Puja or Annakut, celebrated to honors Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Gokul from heavy rains caused by Lord Indra’s anger. On this day, devotees prepare and offer a variety of vegetarian dishes, known as Annakut (mountain of food), to Lord Krishna as a gesture of gratitude. The festival highlights devotion, humility and the belief that faith in God provides shelter from all difficulties. Honors Lord Krishna’s protection of the people of Gokul.

Bhai Dooj, celebrated on the fifth and final day of Diwali, is a festival that honours the special bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters invite their brothers home, apply a tilak on their forehead, perform aarti and pray for their long life, happiness and prosperity. In return, brothers give gifts and promise to protect and support their sisters throughout life. The celebration is similar in spirit to Raksha Bandhan, but with its own rituals and warmth. Bhai Dooj beautifully reflects the love, trust and lifelong connection that siblings share, making it a cherished family occasion.

Across India, the celebrations of Diwali take on different colors and traditions. In North India, the lighting of lamps, bursting of fireworks and grand Laxmi Puja form the highlight. In West Bengal, the day coincides with Kali Puja, where devotees worship Goddess Kali with grandeur and devotion. In South India, the festival begins early in the morning with oil baths, prayers and the bursting of crackers to signify the end of Narakasura. In Maharashtra and Gujarat, the festival is closely tied to business traditions, where account books are worshipped and prayers are offered for prosperity.

The importance of Deepavali lies not just in its rituals but in the deep message, it carries. It reminds us that just as darkness disappears when a lamp is lit, difficulties and negativity in life can be overcome with hope, courage and goodness. It also encourages unity, generosity and joy, as families exchange sweets and gifts, visit relatives and share festive meals.

Deepavali, therefore, is more than a festival. It is a celebration of life itself – a reminder that no matter how dark the night may seem, the light of truth, love and goodness will always prevail. As lamps glow in every corner, they brighten not just homes but also hearts, making Deepavali truly the Festival of Lights.

By: Mr. Gautam Baban Kharat (Supervisor – Aviation Security – Pune)