Diwali: A Sweet Start To Your Festive Celebrations

Diwali is a time about friends, family, and sharing joy with homemade sweets and thoughtful gestures. And every happy occasion starts with a sweet taste. Diwali 2025 falls on Monday, 20th October, with the main Lakshmi Puja celebrations taking place on the evening of this date so start planning your celebration!

Deepavali or Diwali shares the same date and is celebrated on 20th October and both derive from the Sanskrit words meaning 'row of lights', with regional preferences determining which name is more commonly used.

Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana to their homeland of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, during which Rama defeated the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit lamps along the way to illuminate the path for the returning prince in the darkness, establishing the tradition of lighting diyas that continues to this day.

Diwali symbolises the victory of light over darkness, both literally and metaphorically. The diyas, candles, and decorative lights that illuminate homes, streets, and temples during the festival represent the inner light of wisdom, kindness and learning.

Diwali is rooted in ancient traditions and of good over evil, celebrated through lamps, rangoli, and worship. Its stories vary across regions. Lord Rama’s return in the North, Krishna’s victory over Narakasura in the South, and King Bali’s tale in the West. For Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists, Diwali embodies renewal and a sense of community for many.

Diwali spans five days, each marked by distinct rituals and meaning, beginning with Dhanteras on 18th October 2025, celebrating wealth and prosperity. The main Diwali day on 20th October features Lakshmi Puja, while other days honour traditions such as Krishna’s protection (Govardhan Puja) and sibling bonds (Bhai Dooj) where siblings share in gifts like sweets or small tokens of their love.

Chhoti Diwali, meaning 'small Diwali', falls on 19th October 2025, the day before the main Diwali celebration. Also known as Narak Chaturdashi, this day involves early morning oil baths, lighting of diyas, and prayers to ward off evil. It serves as a day for families to make final arrangements for the grand celebration ahead. Badi Diwali, meaning 'big Diwali', refers to the main Diwali day on 20th October 2025, when the primary Lakshmi Puja takes place.

Performing Lakshmi Puja at home requires preparation, devotion, and attention to traditional rituals. Set up a puja space with a Kalash, rice, coconut, betel leaves, flowers, and idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Start the puja by lighting the lamp and incense sticks, then offer flowers, sweets like laddoo or kheer, and fruits to the deities.

At the heart of every memorable Diwali lies an irresistible spread of sweets and desserts that brings joy to every celebration. Cadbury Desserts Corner offers you a treasure trove of easy Diwali recipes that honour traditional flavours whilst embracing contemporary tastes. Whether you're preparing classic mithai or exploring innovative chocolate-based desserts, you'll find inspiration that transforms your kitchen into a haven of festive deliciousness. Traditional barfi takes on new dimensions when infused with tasty cocoa, creating a fusion that appeals to both traditionalists and modern palates. Imagine golden laddoos studded with chocolate chips, or silky chocolate truffles delicately spiced with cardamom and saffron, offering your guests an unexpected journey through familiar yet exciting flavours.