Indianapolis’ celebrates inaugural Diwali event
Diwali celebrations have been happening across the country, Indiana and more specifically Indianapolis is celebrating the inaugural event for the city
- Diwali is a major holiday celebrated by many South Asian religious communities. Its observance will begin this weekend and will last for five days.
- Diwali, the third night of the celebration, falls on Oct. 20.
- Communities in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism have their own way of celebrating Diwali.
Diwali is a major holiday celebrated by many South Asian religious communities. Also called the festival of lights, its observance begins on Oct. 18 and lasts five days, of which Diwali is just one.
What is Diwali? When is Diwali 2025? Here’s what to know.
When is Diwali 2025?
Diwali 2025 is on Monday, October 20.
Dhanteras, the first day of the holiday and the preparation period leading up to the peak of Diwali, will begin on Oct. 18, two days earlier than the main day of Diwali.
Diwali’s date is determined by the lunar calendar. Diwali lasts five days, from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day of the light half of the lunar month Kartik, according to Britannica.
Diwali typically occurs in the fall, usually in late October or early November.
For how many days is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali spans five days, according to Almanac. These five days are called:
- Dhanteras (Oct. 18)
- Kali Chaudas (Oct. 19)
- Diwali (main day) (Oct. 20)
- Govardhan Puja (Oct. 21)
- Bhai Dooj (Oct. 22)
What is Diwali, the festival of lights? What religions celebrate it?
According to National Geographic Kids, Diwali, or Deepavali, is known as the festival of lights. Over time, it has become a national holiday. Communities in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism have their own way of celebrating it.
The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning “row of lights.” This refers to the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that observers light outside their homes during Diwali to represent the light that guards against spiritual darkness.
How is Diwali observed?
Depending on the region and tradition, observances of Diwali differ, according to Britannica.
The most common practice among Hindus is to light diyas (small clay lamps filled with oil) on the night of the new moon to summon the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi.
When the diyas are lit, they are placed in rows in temples and houses or set afloat on rivers and streams. Homes are traditionally decorated with rangoli, deliberate designs made with colored rice, sand, or flower petals to summon the goddess Lakshmi to bless their home with wealth and success.
