Eid-like lights: A look at Deepawali (Diwali) 2025 - greetings, traditions and celebrations in India and the UAE
Assalamu alaikum - here’s a friendly overview of Diwali (Deepawali) 2025, shared in a simple, conversational way.
Diwali, often called the festival of lights, is one of the biggest celebrations across South Asia. In places like India and Nepal it’s a major holiday and people often buy big-ticket items - jewellery, electronics, cars, even homes - believing it’s an auspicious time to start anew.
The festival marks the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. It usually comes in early autumn, around the new moon, so dates shift every year. In 2025 the festivities kicked off on October 18 with Dhanteras and the main Diwali day fell on Monday, October 20.
For many, Diwali honours the goddess Lakshmi, and lighting lamps is seen as a way to welcome blessings and prosperity. For others it celebrates the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after rescuing his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. Though mainly a Hindu festival, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists also observe it, making it a time of hope, unity and shared joy across communities - including Muslim neighbours who often join in the warm, communal atmosphere.
Typical practices
- Dhanteras (first day): homes and workplaces are cleaned to symbolise renewal. People light diyas (earthen lamps) for several days and decorate with lights and lanterns.
- Buying: many see the first days as auspicious for purchases - jewellery (especially gold) is commonly bought to invite good fortune.
- Rangoli: entrances are decorated with colourful rangoli made from flower petals, coloured rice or sand to attract good luck.
- Chhoti Diwali (second day): families exchange homemade or bought sweets and small gifts.
- Main Diwali day: people wear new or their best clothes, light fireworks (though this is reducing as people think more about the environment), and gather for parties and events. “Happy Diwali” is the usual greeting.
- Fourth day: often linked to harvest rituals and quieter observances.
- Bhai Dooj (last day): a day celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters; sisters traditionally feed their brothers and families exchange gifts.
Economic and community notes
- Employers often give bonuses or gifts ahead of Diwali. In India, people buy a lot of gold around Diwali as it’s seen as an auspicious investment.
- In the UAE, where many South Asians live, Diwali is celebrated with lights and special events. Malls, restaurants and cultural organisers put on fairs, workshops and performances, and shops run festive promotions.
Ways communities marked Diwali in 2025 (examples)
- Waterfront promenades and cultural fairs featuring light displays, music, theatre, puppet processions, poetry, and workshops.
- Fireworks displays at family destinations on selected nights (times vary).
- Market bazaars, music nights, mini-concerts and traditional food stalls offering sweets and street food.
- Special Diwali gift boxes from bakeries and eateries with sweet and savoury treats, and themed hampers with sweets, dry fruits, candles and incense.
- Brands offering festival-themed packaging and eggless goodies for those who prefer them.
A note for Muslim readers: while Diwali is not an Islamic holiday, many Muslim families in South Asia and the Gulf live alongside Hindu, Sikh and Jain neighbours and sometimes take part in the joyful, communal spirit by visiting friends, exchanging sweets, or attending public events. Common Islamic greetings like Assalamu alaikum fit naturally when meeting friends, and offering kind, respectful wishes for prosperity and peace is always appropriate.
If you’re attending public events, check local listings for dates and times - many community venues share schedules for cultural fairs, performances and fireworks. Enjoy the lights, the food, and the sense of new beginnings, while being mindful of environmental and safety considerations.
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