Diwali 2025 in the USA: State-by-State Guide to Vibrant Celebrations and Festivities

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most cherished Hindu festivals, celebrated with immense joy across the United States. In 2025, Diwali falls on October 20, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. For Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities in the USA, Diwali is a time for lighting diyas (oil lamps), creating intricate rangoli designs, performing Lakshmi Puja, exchanging sweets and gifts, and enjoying fireworks where permitted. With the Indian diaspora growing, Diwali celebrations have evolved into grand public festivals, cultural events, and intimate community gatherings.

In 2025, several states have officially recognized Diwali, reflecting its cultural significance. California, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut have declared it a state holiday, allowing public employees and schools to observe the day. New York, New Jersey, and Texas have included Diwali in school calendars, ensuring students can participate in festivities. This comprehensive guide explores Diwali 2025 celebrations across all 50 states, highlighting major events, temple gatherings, and community traditions. From bustling festivals in New York to serene puja ceremonies in smaller towns, discover how Americans illuminate the nation with the spirit of Diwali.

Diwali Celebrations in Alabama 2025

In Alabama, Diwali 2025 is celebrated with warmth within the Indian community, particularly in Birmingham and Huntsville. Families gather for traditional Lakshmi Puja, decorate homes with diyas and colorful rangoli, and share festive meals featuring sweets like ladoos and savory snacks like samosas. The Hindu Temple and Cultural Center in Birmingham hosts intimate gatherings with devotional songs (bhajans), cultural performances, and potluck dinners, fostering community bonds. While large-scale public events are limited, the focus remains on family, spirituality, and cultural preservation. Residents may also travel to nearby Atlanta for larger festivals, blending Southern charm with Diwali’s vibrancy.

Diwali Celebrations in Alaska 2025

Alaska’s Diwali 2025 celebrations are modest yet heartfelt, centered in Anchorage and Fairbanks. The small Indian community gathers at homes for diya lighting, rangoli creation, and puja ceremonies. The Hindu Temple of Alaska in Anchorage may organize a community event with traditional dances, Indian cuisine, and, weather permitting, small fireworks displays, as October brings chilly nights. Local Indian associations encourage virtual celebrations, sharing festive moments online. Diwali’s theme of light resonates deeply, illuminating Alaska’s long, dark autumn evenings with hope and joy.

Diwali Celebrations in Arizona 2025

Arizona shines brightly for Diwali 2025, especially in the Phoenix metropolitan area, home to a thriving Indian community. The Phoenix Diwali Festival on November 1 at Steele Indian School Park is a highlight, featuring a stunning diya lighting ceremony at sunset, Bollywood dance performances, food stalls with dosas and jalebis, and vendor booths offering jewelry and crafts. Expect thousands to attend this family-friendly event with henna artists and kids’ activities. Scottsdale’s Civic Center Plaza hosts a celebration on October 25 with live music and rangoli competitions, while Tucson’s Reid Park event on November 2 includes fireworks and cultural shows. Temples like the Bharatiya Ekta Mandir in Phoenix offer traditional pujas, blending Arizona’s warm climate with Diwali’s festive spirit.

Diwali Celebrations in Arkansas 2025

Arkansas celebrates Diwali 2025 quietly in cities like Little Rock and Fayetteville. The Hindu Temple of Central Arkansas hosts Lakshmi Puja, cultural programs with classical dances, and community dinners featuring homemade Indian dishes. Families decorate homes with lights, create rangoli, and exchange gifts like mithai. University campuses, such as the University of Arkansas, may organize student-led Diwali nights with Bollywood music and food stalls. The festival emphasizes family bonds and spiritual reflection, bringing cultural awareness to the heart of the South.

Diwali Celebrations in California 2025

California, now recognizing Diwali as an official state holiday in 2025, hosts some of the grandest celebrations in the USA. In Los Angeles, the LA Diwali Festival on November 2 at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area draws over 40,000 attendees with Bollywood concerts, 150+ vendor booths, carnival rides, and Indian cuisine like biryani and gulab jamun. The Malibu Hindu Temple hosts an oceanside celebration on October 31 with pujas and cultural performances. Irvine’s Great Park event on October 25 includes hot air balloon rides and dance shows, while San Diego’s Balboa Park festival on October 26 features cultural showcases and rangoli art. In the Bay Area, San Francisco’s Bhangra & Beats Night Market on October 24 offers street food and live performances. Other notable events include Santa Clara’s Sparkle & Glow Diwali Night Market on October 23, San Jose’s Diwali Carnival on October 25 with a live concert, and celebrations in Ontario, Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, Milpitas, Los Altos, and West Sacramento between October 21 and November 22. Temples like BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Los Angeles host multi-day pujas, blending tradition with California’s vibrant diversity.

Diwali Celebrations in Colorado 2025

Colorado’s Diwali 2025 celebrations are set against the stunning Rocky Mountains. Denver’s Diwali Fest on October 18-19 at Infinity Park in Glendale features a 5K Diwali Run, cultural performances like Kathak dance, and food stalls with chaat and sweets. Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall event on October 31 includes light displays and live music, while Colorado Springs’ Acacia Park celebration on November 1 offers family-friendly activities like diya painting. Local temples in Denver host Lakshmi and Ganesh pujas, combining adventure and tradition in this scenic state.

Diwali Celebrations in Connecticut 2025

Connecticut, having declared Diwali an official state holiday in 2025, celebrates with enthusiasm. The Vallabhdham Temple in Newington hosts multiple events: Diwali Hatadi Mahotsav on October 20, New Year Celebration on October 22, Annakut on October 26 with a grand food offering, and Tulsi Vivah on November 2—all free with pujas and community gatherings. Vernon Rockville’s TAC-Ta-dhim 10 (Dasara-Diwali) on November 1 at Vernon Center Middle School features cultural performances starting at affordable prices. In Hartford, families light diyas, create rangoli, and share festive meals, reflecting Connecticut’s commitment to cultural inclusivity.

Diwali Celebrations in Delaware 2025

Delaware’s Diwali 2025 centers on community gatherings, particularly in Wilmington. The TAGDV Mega Deepavali Kondattam on November 9 at P.S. DuPont Middle School features cultural programs, including Bharatanatyam dances and Indian food stalls. In Wilmington and Newark, families visit temples for pujas, decorate with rangoli, and enjoy small fireworks displays. The state’s proximity to Philadelphia allows access to larger festivals, enhancing Delaware’s Diwali spirit.

Diwali Celebrations in Florida 2025

Florida’s tropical ambiance enhances Diwali 2025 celebrations. Miami-Dade’s festival on October 26 at Bayfront Park features beachside diya lighting and Caribbean-Indian fusion performances, blending reggae with Bollywood beats. Orlando’s Lake Eola event on October 25 includes swan boat rides, cultural shows, and food stalls. Tampa Bay’s Curtis Hixon Park celebration on November 1 offers waterfront festivities with fireworks and dances. Temples in Miami and Orlando host traditional pujas, with music and dance performances adding to the festive vibe.

Diwali Celebrations in Georgia 2025

Georgia’s Diwali 2025 shines in the Atlanta area. Alpharetta hosts a live Diwali concert on November 1 with cultural performances, while Atlanta’s Visions of India Festival on October 23 and 25 features food vendors, art exhibitions, henna stations, and classical music performances. The state’s growing Indian community ensures vibrant home celebrations with diyas, rangoli, and feasts of sweets like kaju katli. Temples in Atlanta host pujas, making Georgia a hub of Southern Diwali festivities.

Diwali Celebrations in Hawaii 2025

Hawaii’s Diwali 2025 blends beautifully with island culture. In Honolulu, the Hindu Temple of Hawaii organizes pujas and cultural events, incorporating lei garlands alongside rangoli designs. Families light diyas on beaches, enjoying fusion cuisine like Indian-spiced poke. While no large public events are planned, the aloha spirit infuses Diwali with warmth and inclusivity, creating a unique island celebration.

Diwali Celebrations in Idaho 2025

Idaho’s Diwali 2025 is community-focused in Boise, where the Idaho Hindu Society hosts temple gatherings with Lakshmi Puja, devotional music, and shared meals. Families decorate homes with lights and create rangoli, exchanging sweets like besan ladoo. The festival brings warmth and light to Idaho’s quiet, scenic landscapes.

Diwali Celebrations in Illinois 2025

Illinois, particularly Chicago, buzzes with Diwali 2025 events. Naperville’s Diwali Dhamaka Night on October 24 at a local venue features live Bollywood performances. Elmhurst hosts a Bollywood Diwali Party on October 25 with music and dancing. Chicago’s Celebration Party on October 24 and a DJ event on November 2 draw large crowds with vibrant entertainment. Downers Grove’s event on November 9 includes music and food, while Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, and Libertyville host cultural nights and early garba events. Chicago’s Navy Pier may feature a light display, reflecting the state’s large Indian population and festive energy.

Diwali Celebrations in Indiana 2025

Indiana’s Diwali 2025 is celebrated in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne at temples like the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana, with pujas, cultural shows, and community dinners. University campuses like Purdue and Indiana University host student-led Diwali nights with dances and food stalls, emphasizing family traditions and cultural pride.

Diwali Celebrations in Iowa 2025

Iowa’s Diwali 2025 gathers communities in Des Moines at the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center for pujas, cultural performances, and potluck dinners featuring dishes like paneer tikka. Homes are adorned with diyas, and families share sweets, promoting cultural exchange in the heartland.

Diwali Celebrations in Kansas 2025

Kansas celebrates Diwali 2025 in Wichita and Kansas City, where temples host pujas and cultural programs. Families create rangoli, light diyas, and enjoy festive meals. The community spirit shines through intimate gatherings in this Midwestern state.

Diwali Celebrations in Kentucky 2025

Kentucky’s Diwali 2025 in Louisville and Lexington includes temple gatherings at the Hindu Temple of Kentucky with music, dance, and food. University of Kentucky students may organize Diwali nights, focusing on spiritual and cultural elements.

Diwali Celebrations in Louisiana 2025

Louisiana’s Diwali 2025 in New Orleans and Baton Rouge features temple pujas at the Hindu Temple of Louisiana, with Cajun-Indian fusion meals adding a local twist. Families enjoy fireworks, blending the festival with the bayou’s vibrant atmosphere.

Diwali Celebrations in Maine 2025

Maine’s small Indian community in Portland observes Diwali 2025 with home pujas, diya lighting, and community dinners at local halls. The festival brings warmth to the cool New England autumn.

Diwali Celebrations in Maryland 2025

Maryland’s Diwali 2025, part of the DC metro area, features a lively Diwali celebration on October 18 in Bethesda with desi music and Bollywood performances. Baltimore temples host traditional pujas, rangoli displays, and community gatherings, adding to the festive spirit.

Diwali Celebrations in Massachusetts 2025

Massachusetts glows with Diwali 2025 events. Boston’s City Hall Plaza hosts a Diwali festival on October 26 from noon to 6 p.m., featuring a mayor’s diya lighting ceremony, food stalls, and cultural workshops. MIT’s Diwali Night on October 31 includes performances, while Harvard Square’s festival on October 25 offers music and dance. Groton’s celebration on November 9 at a local temple and Lowell’s Diwali Dinner on November 15 provide community-focused events. Everett’s Diwali event on October 22 blends modern entertainment with tradition, reflecting Massachusetts’ academic and cultural vibrancy.

Diwali Celebrations in Michigan 2025

Michigan’s Diwali 2025 in Detroit and Ann Arbor features temple events at BAPS Mandir with pujas, cultural shows, and feasts. The University of Michigan hosts student-led festivals with Bollywood dances and food stalls, emphasizing community and tradition.

Diwali Celebrations in Minnesota 2025

Minnesota’s Diwali 2025 in Minneapolis centers on the Hindu Society of Minnesota temple, hosting large gatherings with dances, music, and Indian cuisine. The festival’s warmth counters the cold, illuminating the state with joy.

Diwali Celebrations in Mississippi 2025

Mississippi’s Diwali 2025 is intimate in Jackson, with home pujas and small temple events. Families focus on cultural preservation, lighting diyas and sharing sweets.

Diwali Celebrations in Missouri 2025

Missouri’s Diwali 2025 in St. Louis and Kansas City includes temple pujas and university events. The Hindu Temple of St. Louis hosts cultural programs with music and food, fostering community spirit.

Diwali Celebrations in Montana 2025

Montana’s sparse Indian community observes Diwali 2025 privately in Billings, with family gatherings, diya lighting, and virtual connections to share the festive spirit.

Diwali Celebrations in Nebraska 2025

Nebraska’s Diwali 2025 in Omaha features events at the Hindu Temple of Omaha, including pujas, cultural performances, and community dinners with Indian dishes.

Diwali Celebrations in Nevada 2025

Nevada’s Diwali 2025 in Las Vegas blends with the city’s vibrant lights. The Hindu Temple of Las Vegas hosts pujas, cultural shows, and fireworks, creating a festive spectacle.

Diwali Celebrations in New Hampshire 2025

New Hampshire celebrates Diwali 2025 in Manchester with community pujas and cultural nights at local halls, bringing light to the Granite State.

Diwali Celebrations in New Jersey 2025

New Jersey, with Diwali recognized as a school holiday, hosts vibrant celebrations. Riverton’s DIWALI Fair on October 25 features free cultural programs. Edison’s Diwali Festival on November 1 includes music and food, while Rahway’s concert on November 2 and Hoboken’s Diwali-Halloween event on October 24 offer modern twists. The state’s large Indian population ensures grand, colorful celebrations.

Diwali Celebrations in New Mexico 2025

New Mexico’s Diwali 2025 in Albuquerque includes temple pujas with Southwestern influences, such as rangoli with local artistic elements, blending tradition with regional culture.

Diwali Celebrations in New York 2025

New York, with Diwali as a school holiday, dazzles for 2025. The South Street Seaport Celebration on October 31 from 5 to 10 p.m. features a floating lantern ceremony. Queens hosts a motorcade on October 26, while Brooklyn Museum’s event on November 1 includes cultural performances. Flushing temples hold pujas from October 29-31. Times Square’s Diwali celebration, a tradition since 2013, features Bollywood music, food stalls, and dances, with iconic landmarks lit up in festive colors.

Diwali Celebrations in North Carolina 2025

North Carolina’s Diwali 2025 includes Holly Springs’ Grand Diwali on November 1 at a local park, offering free cultural programs. Raleigh and Charlotte temples host pujas and community events with music and food.

Diwali Celebrations in North Dakota 2025

North Dakota’s Diwali 2025 is observed privately in Fargo with family pujas, diya lighting, and festive meals, emphasizing spiritual connections.

Diwali Celebrations in Ohio 2025

Ohio’s Diwali 2025 in Columbus and Cincinnati features temple gatherings with pujas, cultural shows, and feasts. Cincinnati’s events emphasize faith, music, and community bonding.

Diwali Celebrations in Oklahoma 2025

Oklahoma’s Diwali 2025 in Oklahoma City includes temple events with cultural programs, dances, and Indian cuisine, bringing light to the Sooner State.

Diwali Celebrations in Oregon 2025

Oregon’s Diwali 2025 in Portland features community events at the Hindu Temple of Oregon, with pujas, music, and festive meals, reflecting the state’s inclusive spirit.

Diwali Celebrations in Pennsylvania 2025

Pennsylvania, the first state to declare Diwali an official holiday in 2024, continues its vibrant celebrations. The Penn’s Landing Festival in Philadelphia on November 1 from 2 to 9 p.m. features food trucks, cultural bazaars, and a grand fireworks display over the Delaware River. Temples across the state host pujas, blending tradition with community festivities.

Diwali Celebrations in Rhode Island 2025

Rhode Island’s Diwali 2025 in Providence is community-focused, with temple pujas and cultural gatherings, bringing warmth to the smallest state.

Diwali Celebrations in South Carolina 2025

South Carolina’s Diwali 2025 in Charleston includes temple events with pujas and cultural programs, emphasizing family and tradition.

Diwali Celebrations in South Dakota 2025

South Dakota’s Diwali 2025 is intimate in Sioux Falls, with family pujas and small community gatherings, lighting up the plains.

Diwali Celebrations in Tennessee 2025

Tennessee’s Diwali 2025 features Nashville’s Centennial Park Celebration on October 26, illuminating the Parthenon with fusion music and cultural performances, blending Southern and Indian traditions.

Diwali Celebrations in Texas 2025

Texas, with Diwali as a school holiday, hosts grand celebrations in Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Temples and community centers organize large festivals with Bollywood dances, food stalls, and fireworks, reflecting the state’s diverse and vibrant Indian community.

Diwali Celebrations in Utah 2025

Utah’s Diwali 2025 in Salt Lake City includes events at the Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple, with pujas, cultural performances, and community feasts, set against the Wasatch Mountains.

Diwali Celebrations in Vermont 2025

Vermont’s Diwali 2025 is observed privately in Burlington with family pujas, diya lighting, and festive meals, bringing light to the Green Mountain State.

Diwali Celebrations in Virginia 2025

Virginia’s Diwali 2025, part of the DC metro area, features vibrant temple events and community gatherings with pujas, dances, and Indian cuisine, celebrating cultural diversity.

Diwali Celebrations in Washington 2025

Washington’s Diwali 2025 includes Sammamish’s Diwali and Theatrical Ramleela on October 26 at a local high school, featuring dramatic performances. Bellevue and Seattle host concerts and cultural events on October 24-25, blending music, dance, and festive foods.

Diwali Celebrations in West Virginia 2025

West Virginia’s Diwali 2025 is family-focused in Charleston, with home pujas, diya lighting, and small community gatherings, emphasizing spiritual connections.

Diwali Celebrations in Wisconsin 2025

Wisconsin’s Diwali 2025 in Milwaukee features temple events with pujas, cultural nights, and Indian feasts, bringing warmth to the Midwest.

Diwali Celebrations in Wyoming 2025

Wyoming’s Diwali 2025 is intimate in Cheyenne, with family gatherings, diya lighting, and festive meals, illuminating the Cowboy State.

In conclusion, Diwali 2025 across the USA showcases the festival’s universal appeal, from grand urban festivals to serene rural gatherings. Whether in states with official recognition or smaller communities, the spirit of light, unity, and joy shines brightly. Happy Diwali!