Introduction

Diwali, also known as Deepavali or Dipavali (Sanskrit: "row of lights"), is one of the largest and most beloved festivals on the Indian subcontinent. It is essentially a celebration of the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

Contrary to the idea that Diwali is a one-day festival, for many the celebration spans five days, each with its own meaning, myths and rituals.

These days are typically (in order):

1. Dhanteras
2. Naraka Chaturdashi (or Choti Diwali)
3. Diwali / Lakshmi Puja (main day).
4. Govardhan Puja
5. Bhai Dooj

Below is a simplified overview of each day-what it means, how it is celebrated, and the best-known regional variations.

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The five days of Diwali

 

Day 1: Dhanteras

Other names and aspects: Dhanatrayodashi, Dhanvantari Trayodashi

Meaning and myth:
- The term Dhanteras combines "Dhan" (wealth) and Teras (the thirteenth day of krsna paksha, the decreasing lunar fortnight ).
- In some traditions, Dhanvantari, avatara of Visnu and bearer of the elixir of immortality (amrta) and patron of medicine (Ayurveda), is said to have emerged from the Ocean during the Samudra Manthan (the "milk ocean shake") on this very day.
- It is considered an auspicious day to seek blessings for health and prosperity.

Common rites and practices
- You clean, decorate and renovate the house to "welcome" Lakshmi (the goddess of luck and prosperity) who will arrive on the main day of Dipavali
- Precious objects (gold, silver, astrological grmme) or tools, which are considered auspicious bearers, can be purchased.
- Lamps (diyas) and lights are lit as early as evening to invite prosperity.
- In some variations, tribute is paid to Kuvera (the treasurer of the Deva, celestial beings) along with Lakshmi. The idea is to invite prosperity into one's home.

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Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali

Other names: Kali Chaudas (in some regions)

Meaning and myth
- This day is linked to the myth of Krsna's defeat of the demon Narakasura, a terrible obfuscator. According to the legend, Narakasura had terrorized both the Deva and human people, and Krishna annihilated him, freeing the world and the universe from his reign of fear. This story also symbolizes divine protection in the struggle between light and darkness.
- In many traditions it is believed that taking a sunrise bath with aromatic oils (or a special bath in a sacred place) cleanses the body and mind of all impurities, preparing us for the main day of Diwali, which will be the following day.

Rites and practices
- Early in the morning, many people wake up before dawn to take a bath with perfumed oils or aromatic substances.
- Houses are decorated with rangoli (artistic patterns made of colored powders) and lights, diyas (lamps) are lit, and small fireworks are often made.
- Some families recite prayers to drive out negative energies.
- In certain localities, this day is called "Choti Diwali" (small Diwali) because elements of the main day celebration are anticipated.

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Day 3: Diwali / Lakshmi Puja (the main day).

Meaning and myth
- This is the central day of the festival: the actual celebration of Diwali (Deepavali).
- In many traditions (especially in North India), the return of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana to Ayodhya after their victory over Ravana and the fulfillment of their exile is celebrated; the people of Ayodhya are said to have lit thousands of lamps to light their way.
- It is also the time when the goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth and prosperity) is formally worshipped so that she may bless families with abundance and success in the coming year.

Main rites and practices
- The houses are decorated with lights, garlands, flowers and rangoli.
- Toward evening the Lakshmi Puja (rite of worship of the goddess Lakshmi) often takes place together with Ganesha (the god of wisdom and beginning, the one who removes all obstacles from the path).
- Lamps (diyas), candles, incense and offerings (fruits, sweets, flowers) are placed around the altar.
- Fireworks and illuminations populate the streets, and residents exchange gifts and sweets.
- In some regions (such as Bengal), Kali Puja is also celebrated on the same night, worshiping the goddess Kali as the destroyer of darkness.

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Day 4: Govardhan Puja (or Annakuṭ / Annakut in some traditions)

Other aspects: In Gujarat, this day also coincides with the local New Year (Bestu Baras) in certain traditions.

Meaning and myth
- This day commemorates the incident when Krsna raised Govardhan Hill to protect the surrounding villages from the wrath of Indra (the Deva of rains, electricity and lightning), who wanted to punish the people with torrential rains. Krsna advised the villagers to worship Govardhan rather than Indra. Indra raged against the inhabitants of Vrndavana, but they were protected by Krsna, who raised the hill and used it as an umbrella.
- The ritual symbolizes gratitude toward nature, divine protection and recognition of the power of faith. When we prioritize spirituality in our lives, we are protected by the umbrella of divine love.

Rites and practices
- A symbolic model of Govardhan made of sweets and cakes is constructed. Like a kind of preseppe made of sweets.
- In some communities, annakut (a large offering of vegetarian food, with dozens or hundreds of varieties) is prepared and offered as prasada.
- In regions where it is relevant, it is also a time to celebrate the new beginning, with blessings for the harvest, nature and future prosperity.

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Day 5: Bhai Dooj (or Bhau Bij, Bhai Dhuj)

Meaning and myth
- Bhai Dooj celebrates the loving bond between brothers and sisters. "Bhai" means "brother."
- The day is believed to be blessed to strengthen family ties and to wish for long life and mutual well-being.
- In many versions of the myth, the sister applies a tilak (sacred sign on the forehead) to her brother and prays for his protection. In return, the brother gives gifts and promises protection.

Rites and practices
- The sisters prepare a simple altar or decoration with lamps and flowers.
- They apply tilak to their brother, offer prayers and blessings. They may exchange mantra-enhanced bracelets.
- Brothers offer gifts (money, clothing, sweets, goods) as a sign of love and protection.
- In the evening, some families may have a small celebration with family and friends to end the festivities.

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Dates and Calendar of Holidays

Because Diwali follows the Vedic lunar calendar, the dates in our Gregorian calendar change every year.

For 2025, the estimated dates of the five days are:

- Day One - Dhanteras: October 19 2025

- Day 2 - Naraka Chaturdashi: October 20 2025

- Day Three: Diwali / Lakshmi Puja: night of the October 21 2025 (It is the main holiday)

- Day 4 - Govardhan Puja: October 22 2025 (most important holiday for vaisnava)

- Day Five - Bhai Dooj: October 23 2025 (most popular holiday)

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Why do some people think Diwali lasts five days?

There is no single definitive explanation because Diwali has evolved by incorporating various different holidays, regional traditions and spiritual practices.

However, each day represents a different aspect-prosperity, purification, divine worship, gratitude to nature, and human relationships.

This allows a gradual and intense celebration, culminating in the holiest day. It stimulates family and community participation in more rituals, events, prayers and social initiatives. Lighting a candle each night in the month of Kartika is a reason for family unity when done together in a spirit of service. It reflects the synthesis of different stories and myths (the struggles against asuras, the return of divine characters, the protection of nature) that have been layered over time.

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Practical tips for celebrating

If you want to follow the rituals correctly, consulting a local Vedic calendar to see the exact dates in your area is important, especially for Pujas.

Prepare decorations (small lights, diyas, rangoli), altar materials, offerings, flowers and sweets in advance.

If you are not familiar with mantras or rituals, you can do simple prayers, meditations or light a lamp with positive intent.

Celebrate with family: exchanging sweets, giving gifts, inviting friends or neighbors enriches the spiritual and social experience.

The important thing is the spirit and intention you put into it.