This religious festival, also known as Deepavali, Dipavali, or Deepawali, is one of the most celebrated and beautiful festivals in the Hindu calendar. Known as the Festival of Lights, it symolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Every year, it falls between October and November, depending on the lunar calendar, and celebrations usually continue for about five days.
2025 Diwali Celebrations Pakistan Interfaith Harmony Festival of Lights
Hindu community in Pakistan and elsewhere in the world, will celebrate Diwali festival today. The annual festival of lights is marked by festive gatherings, fireworks displays, feasts and prayers.
Meaning and Significance
This word originates from the Sanskrit term Deepavali, meaning “a row of lamps.” It holds spiritual importance across Hindu traditions, representing the triumph of righteousness and the dispelling of ignorance.
In northern India, Dipavali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. In the south, it celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Many also associate Deepavali with Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, whose blessings are sought for happiness and success.
Diwali Date : Observed on October 20
For this year, it will be observed on Monday, October 20. However, some confusion has arisen this year, as certain sources mentioned October 21.
The misunderstanding comes from differences in the lunar calendar and the time zones followed by Hindu communities. But according to the official calendar used, diwali 2025 date in india, the main Deepawali night (Amavasya) falls on October 20, 2025.
That means October 20 is the correct date for this festival celebrations, while some observances or temple events may continue into the next day, October 21, for associated rituals such as Govardhan Puja.
How Deewali Is Celebrated
Preparations for Diwali start weeks in advance. Homes are cleaned thoroughly to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. People buy new clothes, gifts, and sweets, and decorate their houses with lights, candles, diyas, and rangoli designs.
On this night, families gather for Lakshmi Puja, offering prayers for peace, prosperity, and health. The streets glow with oil lamps, while fireworks light up the skies. Families exchange sweets, visit relatives, and enjoy festive meals together.
This teaches us to forgive old differences and start anew with kindness and unity. It’s a festival that strengthens family bonds and community relationships.
Five Days of Diwali-Festivities
Each day of has its own religious and cultural meaning:
- Dhanteras– The festival begins with buying gold, silver, or utensils, considered auspicious for prosperity.
- Chhoti Deepawali (Naraka Chaturdashi)– It commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.
- Divali Night (Main Day)– Celebrated with diyas, fireworks, and prayers to Goddess Lakshmi.
- Govardhan Puja (Annakut)– Marks Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan to protect villagers from storms.
- Bhai Dooj– Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters with prayers and gifts.
Diwali in Pakistan
In Pakistan, Diwali is an important festival for the Hindu community, which mainly resides in Sindh, especially in Karachi, Hyderabad, Tharparkar, and Umerkot. Although it is not a national public holiday, Deewali is officially recognized as an optional holiday under Pakistan’s employment and holiday laws.
This means Hindu employees in government or private offices can choose the day off from a list of optional holidays. Most offices and businesses remain open, but Hindu families and temples mark the occasion with devotion and enthusiasm.
Sindh Government’s Holiday Announcement
This year, the Government of Sindh has officially announced two public holidays for the Hindu community on October 20 and 21, 2025 in observance of Diwali.
The key point, however, is that the main celebration will be on October 20, while October 21 will serve as an additional day of rest and continuation of festivities.
This announcement applies to Hindu employees working in government, semi-government, and local council offices across Sindh. It allows families extra time to celebrate, visit temples, and gather with loved ones.
Clarifying the Confusion
Many people this year are unsure whether this day falls on October 20 or 21. The confusion largely comes from the difference in the lunar tithi timings used in India and Pakistan.
According to official Hindu Panchang calculations, Amavasya Tithi (the new moon night for Diwali) begins on the evening of October 19 and ends on October 20, which makes October 20 the correct day for celebrating in Pakistan and India.
So, while some ceremonies or local traditions may continue on October 21, the main day of Diwali is October 20, 2025.
Diwali Celebrations in Sindh
Sindh’s Hindu population celebrates this day with joy and devotion. Temples such as Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Karachi and Shiv Mandir in Umerkot are decorated beautifully with lights, garlands, and diyas.
Devotees perform aarti, offer sweets to deities, and share prasad among attendees. The glow of thousands of oil lamps fills temples and homes, creating a mesmerizing sight.
Non-Hindu neighbors also join in, exchanging sweets and extending warm Diwali wishes. This interaction shows Pakistan’s spirit of religious tolerance and social harmony.
A Step Toward Inclusion
The Sindh government’s decision to declare holidays for Diwali is a welcome and inclusive step. It recognizes the rights of minorities to celebrate their religious events freely.
Pakistan’s constitution provides the right to freedom of religion, and such measures strengthen the message of unity in diversity. The announcement also aligns with past initiatives of Diwali when Pakistan declared holidays for Hindu and Christian festivals as a gesture of respect and equality.
Environmental Awareness During Diwali
In recent years, many people have become conscious of celebrating a green and safe Diwali. Eco-friendly diyas, LED lights, and limited firecracker use are encouraged to protect the environment.
In Pakistan, too, Hindu families increasingly prefer symbolic celebrations with traditional lamps and prayers rather than loud fireworks. The essence of Diwali — peace, purity, and positivity — remains unchanged
