Diwali 2025: Celebrations and Observances Across India

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a significant festival celebrated by over a billion people across various South Asian religions, including Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The festival, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, spans five days, with the main celebration occurring on October 20, 2025. The festival's dates are determined by the lunar calendar, typically falling between mid-October and mid-November.

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The five-day celebration includes:

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• Dhanteras (October 18): The beginning of the festivities, marked by cleaning and decorating homes.

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• Kali Chaudas (October 19): A day of remembrance and rituals.

Diwali bank holidays 2025: Oct 20 or 21? Confused which day is Diwali's bank holiday? Here’s the answer!

• Diwali (October 20): The main day of celebration, where diyas (clay lamps) are lit to honor the goddess Lakshmi.

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• Govardhan Puja (October 21): Celebrating Lord Krishna's victory over Indra.

Are banks open or closed on Monday, October 20 for Diwali 2025? Check region-wise list

• Bhai Dooj (October 22): A day honoring the bond between brothers and sisters.

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In India, Diwali is a public holiday, and banks across various states will be closed on October 20, 2025, to observe the festival. According to the Reserve Bank of India's holiday calendar, banks will be closed in states including Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Kerala. Some regions will also observe holidays on October 21 and 22 for Diwali Amavasya and Govardhan Puja, respectively.

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However, in Bihar, the Diwali holiday has been canceled due to the upcoming assembly elections, requiring bankers to work on this significant festival day. This decision has led to disappointment among bank employees who are unable to celebrate with their families.

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In Uttar Pradesh, all public and private schools will be closed from October 20 to 23, allowing students to participate in the Diwali celebrations. Similarly, the Odisha government has declared an additional holiday on October 20 for state universities and colleges, except in Nuapada district.

Odisha Govt Declares Additional Diwali Holiday for Colleges and Universities on Oct 20

Despite the festive closures, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will remain open for regular trading on October 20. However, a special Muhurat trading session is scheduled for October 21, marking the beginning of the new Samvat year. This session is considered auspicious, allowing traders to participate in a symbolic trading window.

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Diwali 2025 is set to be a vibrant celebration marked by various regional observances and traditions. While many will enjoy the festivities with family and friends, some, particularly in Bihar, will face challenges due to work obligations. The festival continues to be a time for reflection, joy, and community, uniting diverse cultures across India.

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