Diwali 2025

The 5 Days of Diwali: Rituals, Poojas & Mantras

The 5 Days of Diwali

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated over five days, each with its own unique significance, rituals, and spiritual practices. Here’s a detailed guide to help you observe each day with devotion and understanding.


Day 1: Dhanteras (October 18, 2025)

Significance:
Marks the beginning of Diwali; dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari (god of health), Lord Kubera (god of wealth), and Goddess Lakshmi.

Rituals:

  • Lakshmi Puja:ย Perform evening prayers to invite wealth and prosperity.
  • Purchasing Precious Metals:ย Buy gold, silver, or utensils to symbolize the welcoming of wealth.
  • Lighting Diyas:ย Illuminate your home with diyas to dispel darkness and negativity.
  • Rangoli Decoration:ย Create designs at the entrance to welcome positive energy.
  • Tulsi Puja:ย Worship the sacred Tulsi plant for family health and well-being.
  • Charitable Acts:ย Donate to the needy to accumulate positive karma.

Mantras:

  • เฅ เคถเฅเคฐเฅ€เค‚ เคฎเคนเคพเคฒเค•เฅเคทเฅเคฎเฅเคฏเฅˆ เคจเคฎเคƒ (Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah)
  • เฅ เค—เค‚ เค—เคฃเคชเคคเคฏเฅ‡ เคจเคฎเคƒ (Om Gam Ganapataye Namah)

Day 2: Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) (October 19, 2025)

Significance:
Commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Rituals:

  • Abhyang Snan (Oil Bath):ย Apply oil, take a bath before sunrise to purify the body and soul.
  • Lighting Diyas:ย Place diyas to ward off evil spirits.
  • Recite Mantras:ย Chant prayers for protection and well-being.

Mantras:

  • เฅ เคฏเคฎเคฆเฅ€เคชเคพเคฏ เคจเคฎเคƒ (Om Yamadeepaya Namah)
  • เฅ เคจเคฐเค•เคพเคธเฅเคฐเคพเคฏ เคจเคฎเคƒ (Om Narakasuraya Namah)

Day 3: Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) (October 20, 2025)

Significance:
The main Diwali day; honors Goddess Lakshmi for wealth, prosperity, and well-being.

Rituals:

  • Kalash Sthapana:ย Place a sacred pot with water, mango leaves, and a coconut.
  • Ganesha Puja:ย Worship Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles.
  • Lakshmi Puja:ย Offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi with sweets, fruits, and flowers.
  • Aarti:ย Perform aarti with incense and camphor.
  • Lighting Diyas:ย Illuminate the home to invite divine blessings.

Mantras:

  • เฅ เคถเฅเคฐเฅ€เค‚ เคฎเคนเคพเคฒเค•เฅเคทเฅเคฎเฅเคฏเฅˆ เคจเคฎเคƒ (Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah)
  • เฅ เค—เค‚ เค—เคฃเคชเคคเคฏเฅ‡ เคจเคฎเคƒ (Om Gam Ganapataye Namah)

Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Annakut) (October 21, 2025)

Significance:
Celebrates Lord Krishna’s lifting of Mount Govardhan to protect villagers from Indra’s wrath.

Rituals:

  • Chappan Bhog:ย Prepare 56 or 108 different food items as offerings.
  • Govardhan Hill Worship:ย Create a replica of Mount Govardhan and offer prayers.
  • Community Feasts:ย Share prasad with family and community.

Mantras:

  • เฅ เค—เฅ‹เคตเคฐเฅเคงเคจเคพเคฏ เคจเคฎเคƒ (Om Govardhanaya Namah)
  • เฅ เค•เฅƒเคทเฅเคฃเคพเคฏ เค—เฅ‹เคตเคฐเฅเคงเคจเคพเคฏ เคจเคฎเคƒ (Om Krishnaya Govardhanaya Namah)

Day 5: Bhai Dooj (October 22, 2025)

Significance:
Honors the bond between brothers and sisters; sisters pray for brothers’ well-being.

Rituals:

  • Tilak Ceremony:ย Sisters apply tilak on brothers’ foreheads.
  • Prayers:ย Offer prayers for brothers’ health and prosperity.
  • Gifts:ย Exchange gifts as a token of love and affection.

Mantras:

  • เฅ เคฏเคฎเฅเคจเคพเคฏเฅˆ เคจเคฎเคƒ (Om Yamunaye Namah)
  • เฅ เคฏเคฎเคฐเคพเคœเคพเคฏ เคจเคฎเคƒ (Om Yamarajaya Namah)