Diwali 2025 saw millions of Indians across the country celebrate the festival of lights, illuminating homes, streets, and temples in a spectacular display of devotion and joy. The Hindu festival, symbolising the victory of light over darkness, is observed with prayers, festive meals, exchanging gifts, and lighting lamps.
The city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh stood out this year, with Hindus celebrating the homecoming of Lord Ram after 14 years in exile. Over 2.6 million earthen lamps were lit along the banks of the Saryu River, retaining the Guinness World Record set last year. The riverfront was bathed in shimmering light as at least 2,100 Hindu priests performed prayers in unison, their chants resonating across the city.
Thousands of residents and visitors contributed to the celebrations, lighting diyas at homes and temples. The holy city was further adorned with fairy lights, while laser shows and fireworks illuminated its streets and ghats. Officials reported that more than 33,000 volunteers participated, with nearly 40 local families producing 1.6 million lamps. A staggering 73,000 litres of oil and 5.5 million cotton wicks were used in the massive lighting effort.
"It is hard work lighting diyas one by one," said 19-year-old volunteer Rachit Singh. "But when you see the whole ghat light up, every bit of effort feels worth it."
Diwali Shopping Frenzy 2025: Markets Flooded With Flowers, Lanterns, Candles and Festive Essentials
Across India, shoppers thronged local markets, purchasing flowers, lanterns, candles, sweets, and gifts to mark the occasion. Retailers reported a surge in sales as families prepared for the festival with traditional items and decorative lighting.
In Delhi, the festive mood was palpable despite rising concerns over air pollution. Markets and streets were filled with shoppers picking out green firecrackers, eco-friendly alternatives that reduce smoke and particulate emissions by around 30%.
Delhi Air Pollution Hits Alarming Levels During Diwali: Green Firecrackers Allowed After Supreme Court Ruling
While celebrations brought joy, air quality remained a major concern. In Delhi, the level of fine particulate matter surged to 347 on the Air Quality Index on Monday, roughly 14 times the World Health Organisation’s daily recommended limit, according to SAFAR, the federal air quality monitoring agency.
Last week, the Supreme Court relaxed a previous ban on firecrackers in Delhi, allowing the limited use of approved “green firecrackers” during specific hours from Saturday to Tuesday. These eco-friendly firecrackers are designed to reduce harmful smoke and gas emissions, providing a safer alternative for festival-goers.
Diwali 2025 Traditions: Why Lighting Lamps and Exchanging Gifts Remain Central to the Festival
Diwali, derived from the Sanskrit term Deepavali, meaning “row of lights,” is celebrated nationwide through family gatherings, prayers, and festive rituals. Lighting oil lamps symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Exchanging gifts and sweets is a mark of social bonding and festive cheer.
In addition to religious observances, Diwali is also a time for cultural events, music, dance, and community gatherings. Cities like Jaipur, Varanasi, and Mumbai witnessed elaborate decorations, public displays, and themed light shows, making Diwali 2025 one of the most visually spectacular festivals in recent memory.
How Families Can Celebrate Diwali 2025 Safely Amid Pollution Concerns
Experts recommend using LED lights, sparklers, and green firecrackers to minimise air pollution and ensure safety. Ventilating homes, wearing masks outdoors, and limiting exposure to smoke are additional steps families can take to enjoy the festivities responsibly.
With millions lighting diyas, sharing gifts, and participating in rituals, Diwali 2025 brought the country together in celebration, blending tradition with modern concerns for the environment and public health.
Inputs from agencies
The city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh stood out this year, with Hindus celebrating the homecoming of Lord Ram after 14 years in exile. Over 2.6 million earthen lamps were lit along the banks of the Saryu River, retaining the Guinness World Record set last year. The riverfront was bathed in shimmering light as at least 2,100 Hindu priests performed prayers in unison, their chants resonating across the city.
Thousands of residents and visitors contributed to the celebrations, lighting diyas at homes and temples. The holy city was further adorned with fairy lights, while laser shows and fireworks illuminated its streets and ghats. Officials reported that more than 33,000 volunteers participated, with nearly 40 local families producing 1.6 million lamps. A staggering 73,000 litres of oil and 5.5 million cotton wicks were used in the massive lighting effort.
"It is hard work lighting diyas one by one," said 19-year-old volunteer Rachit Singh. "But when you see the whole ghat light up, every bit of effort feels worth it."
Diwali Shopping Frenzy 2025: Markets Flooded With Flowers, Lanterns, Candles and Festive Essentials
Across India, shoppers thronged local markets, purchasing flowers, lanterns, candles, sweets, and gifts to mark the occasion. Retailers reported a surge in sales as families prepared for the festival with traditional items and decorative lighting.
In Delhi, the festive mood was palpable despite rising concerns over air pollution. Markets and streets were filled with shoppers picking out green firecrackers, eco-friendly alternatives that reduce smoke and particulate emissions by around 30%.
Delhi Air Pollution Hits Alarming Levels During Diwali: Green Firecrackers Allowed After Supreme Court Ruling
While celebrations brought joy, air quality remained a major concern. In Delhi, the level of fine particulate matter surged to 347 on the Air Quality Index on Monday, roughly 14 times the World Health Organisation’s daily recommended limit, according to SAFAR, the federal air quality monitoring agency.
Last week, the Supreme Court relaxed a previous ban on firecrackers in Delhi, allowing the limited use of approved “green firecrackers” during specific hours from Saturday to Tuesday. These eco-friendly firecrackers are designed to reduce harmful smoke and gas emissions, providing a safer alternative for festival-goers.
Diwali 2025 Traditions: Why Lighting Lamps and Exchanging Gifts Remain Central to the Festival
Diwali, derived from the Sanskrit term Deepavali, meaning “row of lights,” is celebrated nationwide through family gatherings, prayers, and festive rituals. Lighting oil lamps symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Exchanging gifts and sweets is a mark of social bonding and festive cheer.
In addition to religious observances, Diwali is also a time for cultural events, music, dance, and community gatherings. Cities like Jaipur, Varanasi, and Mumbai witnessed elaborate decorations, public displays, and themed light shows, making Diwali 2025 one of the most visually spectacular festivals in recent memory.
How Families Can Celebrate Diwali 2025 Safely Amid Pollution Concerns
Experts recommend using LED lights, sparklers, and green firecrackers to minimise air pollution and ensure safety. Ventilating homes, wearing masks outdoors, and limiting exposure to smoke are additional steps families can take to enjoy the festivities responsibly.
With millions lighting diyas, sharing gifts, and participating in rituals, Diwali 2025 brought the country together in celebration, blending tradition with modern concerns for the environment and public health.
Inputs from agencies
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