A Festival of Global Light — From Darkness to Light, Poverty to Prosperity, Humanity to Unity
Advocate Kishan Sanmukhdas Bhawnani:
Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” has evolved from an Indian tradition into a global celebration. From Ayodhya to Times Square, millions across the world will light lamps that symbolize the victory of light over darkness and the triumph of hope over despair.
Advocate Kishan Sanmukhdas Bhawnani from Gondia, Maharashtra, says, “During the auspicious time of Lakshmi Puja, Goddess Lakshmi blesses those with pure and selfless hearts with wealth and prosperity.” This belief, deeply rooted in Indian culture, continues to guide people seeking peace, prosperity, and spiritual harmony.
In 2025, Diwali will be celebrated on October 20, the new moon day of Kartik. This year’s festival carries a grand spiritual and global dimension. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has announced a 15-day Diwali holiday from October 19 to November 2 for students and employees, the longest in the country.
Ayodhya: The Heart of Diwali 2025
The holy city of Ayodhya is set to host the world’s largest “Deepotsav.” Over 2.6 million diyas will light up the Saryu Ghat, creating a record-breaking spectacle. The scene will be divine—thousands of diyas reflecting in the river, hymns echoing through temples, and chants of “Jai Shri Ram” filling the air. This celebration symbolizes India’s eternal faith and the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning the world is one family.
Millions of devotees, tourists, and media representatives will attend, while drones and satellites will broadcast the event worldwide. The light from Ayodhya will shine as a message of unity and peace.
Global Celebrations of Light
Diwali is no longer confined to Indian borders. In New York’s Times Square, London’s Trafalgar Square, Sydney Harbour, Singapore’s Little India, Dubai’s Global Village, and Toronto City Hall, the festival will be celebrated with grandeur. These gatherings, attended by Indians and locals alike, have turned Diwali into a symbol of global cultural harmony. The message is universal—no matter religion, race, or geography, light unites all.
The Spiritual Essence
Beyond rituals, Diwali is a celebration of self-illumination. It inspires people to purify their thoughts and actions. The return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya represents the restoration of righteousness and truth. Diwali reminds us to be our own light—to replace ignorance with wisdom and negativity with positivity.
On the night of Lakshmi Puja, families gather to worship Goddess Mahalakshmi, Lord Vishnu, Ganesha, and Kubera. Homes are decorated with rangoli, garlands of lamps, and incense. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes filled with cleanliness, devotion, and purity. People pray not only for wealth but also for righteousness and wisdom, believing that prosperity is meaningful only when used for the welfare of society.
Economic and Social Prosperity
Diwali also drives India’s economic growth. It marks the year’s biggest shopping season. According to the Retail Trade Association of India, the 2025 Diwali market is expected to reach a turnover of ₹3.5 lakh crore. Sales of gold, electronics, textiles, and sweets surge, bringing joy to millions of traders, artisans, and small businesses. Diwali connects commerce with celebration, turning markets into centers of happiness.
Green Diwali, Clean India
The message of 2025 is clear: celebrate responsibly. The government and environmental groups are urging people to use eco-friendly decorations, earthen lamps, and natural colors. Campaigns like “Ek Deep Prakriti Ke Naam” promote planting trees, saving water, and reducing plastic use. The goal is to ensure that the light of Diwali brightens the planet, not pollutes it.
Diwali as Global Diplomacy
In recent years, Diwali has also become a tool of soft power diplomacy. Celebrations at the United Nations, the White House, and 10 Downing Street reflect India’s growing cultural influence. In 2025, Diwali will continue to symbolize India’s identity as a spiritual and cultural power, a “Vishwa Guru” guiding the world through values of peace and coexistence.
A Celebration of Humanity
Ultimately, Diwali 2025 stands as a celebration of humanity itself. When millions of diyas illuminate the Saryu Ghats and Indians across the world chant “Shubh Deepawali,” the message will be clear: where there is light, there is life; where there is love, there is God.
This Diwali, light not only your homes but also your hearts. Let every lamp remind you to remove the darkness of hatred, greed, and ego, and to spread light, knowledge, and compassion. True Diwali begins when your inner light shines bright enough to guide others.
Note: Advocate Kishan Sanmukhdas Bhawnani, Gondia, Maharashtra
(Tax Expert, Columnist, Writer, Poet, and Thinker)
