Tag: Festival of Lights

Events in Goa

Goa Deepotsav 2025 Lights Up Porvorim, Saligao, and Mapusa with Cultural Splendour

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, successfully hosted Goa Deepotsav 2025, a two-day celebration that illuminated Porvorim, Saligao, and Mapusa with festive cheer, music, and cultural splendour. The event brought together Goans from all walks of life to celebrate Diwali through art, tradition, and togetherness, reflecting the essence of Goa’s cultural unity.

The first-ever edition of Deepotsav in Mapusa, held at the Mapusa Taxi Stand Ground, witnessed vibrant community participation and an impressive turnout. The event featured engaging contests such as the All Goa Akash Kandil Competition, cooking and fugdi contests, and an energetic cultural showcase. The evening highlight, Rhythm of Lights, mesmerized audiences with performances that beautifully portrayed Goa’s cultural diversity.

Among the dignitaries present were Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker & MLA, Mapusa, Shri Joshua De Souza, Chairperson of Mapusa Municipal Council Smt Priya Mishal, Deputy Director of Tourism Shri Dhiraj Vagle, Dy. General Manager (Marketing/Hotels), GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar, Asst. Director of Tourism Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, councillors, and former councillors.

In his address, Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted that the Goa Beyond Beaches initiative, launched in 2022, aims to take tourism to the heart of local communities while empowering women and youth through cultural participation. He announced that Deepotsav will be celebrated annually in Mapusa to showcase Goa’s cultural richness and festive unity.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming response to Deepotsav 2025, noting that the festival embodied Goa’s true spirit of joy, inclusivity, and creativity.

The celebrations began on October 25 at Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal Hall, Porvorim, with workshops and competitions in clay modelling, drawing, cooking, fugdi, and traditional costume contests, concluding with the soulful performance Sur Taal. On October 26, the festivities continued at Saligao Panchayat Area with rangoli, cooking, and Veshbhusha Spardha contests, and culminated with Suron Kee Deepawali, a musical tribute to the festival of lights.

With Goa Deepotsav 2025, the Department of Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cultural tourism, local participation, and sustainable community engagement. The festival stood as a radiant symbol of Goa’s heritage, uniting communities under the glow of countless diyas.

Special Occasion

Diwali 2025: A Celebration of Light, Triumph, and Togetherness

Tanisha Cardozo

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most cherished and widely celebrated festivals in India and among Indian communities worldwide. In 2025, Diwali falls on October 20, lighting up the skies, homes, and hearts with warmth and joy. The word “Deepavali” means a row of lights, and that’s exactly what this celebration brings—countless flickering diyas illuminating the darkest corners.

Rooted in mythology, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya are said to have welcomed him by lighting rows of lamps, a tradition that continues today in homes and temples across the country. For others, it marks the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

The festival spans five days—starting with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), the main Diwali day, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Each day carries its own customs, from purchasing gold and cleaning homes to cooking festive foods and performing sacred pujas.

Preparations for Diwali often begin weeks in advance. Markets are filled with decorative lights, earthen lamps, sweets, and gifts. Families clean and renovate their homes as a symbolic gesture of inviting prosperity. On Diwali night, homes are lit with oil lamps, candles, fairy lights, and firecrackers. Families gather for Lakshmi Puja, exchanging blessings and sweets, while the sound of celebration echoes into the night.

But Diwali is more than rituals and lights. It is a powerful metaphor for inner awakening—for clearing away negative thoughts, illuminating the mind, and rekindling hope. In a world often marked by division, Diwali reminds us of unity, kindness, and the shared light that connects us all.

As the festival evolves with time, many are now opting for eco-friendly celebrations—using biodegradable diyas, supporting local artisans, and minimizing fireworks to reduce pollution. At its heart, Diwali is about intention. Whether it’s the humble flicker of a single diya or the joy of a grand gathering, every act contributes to a collective brightness.

Diwali 2025 arrives as a moment to pause, reflect, and rejoice. It invites each of us to light not just our surroundings, but also our minds and relationships—with compassion, courage, and love.

National

Ayodhya Prepares for a Grand Deepotsav 2025 with 2.8 Million Lamps and a 32-Foot Pushpak Viman

Tanisha Cardozo

Ayodhya is preparing for one of the grandest Deepotsav celebrations ever witnessed, as the temple town gears up to illuminate 56 ghats along the Sarayu River with a stunning 2.8 million earthen lamps. Scheduled for Deepavali 2025, this year’s Deepotsav promises to be a spiritual and visual extravaganza, blending devotion, tradition, and community participation.

A striking feature of the festivities this year will be the installation of a 32-foot-tall Pushpak Viman at Ram Ki Paidi. This massive structure, inspired by the celestial vehicle of Lord Ram as described in the Ramayana, will showcase key scenes from the epic in a way that brings mythology to life. It offers a unique, immersive experience for pilgrims and visitors, adding a new cultural dimension to the festival.

To bring this event to life, more than 33,000 volunteers—including students, teachers, and residents—have come together to prepare the ghats and streets of Ayodhya. From arranging lamps to assisting with safety protocols, their collective spirit reflects the deep pride the city holds in celebrating Ram’s return to Ayodhya, now symbolically reenacted each year through Deepotsav.

The event is not only spiritual but meticulously organized. Volunteers are issued ID cards and festival T-shirts, and access to the ghats is tightly controlled to maintain safety. Food safety teams are also deployed to ensure hygienic conditions for visitors. Local administration is leaving no stone unturned to make this celebration safe, inclusive, and memorable.

In line with the broader cultural ethos, saints and local leaders are promoting Swadeshi products this year, urging people to light locally made earthen lamps and support artisans. As Saint Diwakaracharya Ji Maharaj noted, “Shri Ram has been seated in the grand Ram Temple after 500 years, and this Diwali promises to be truly remarkable.” He emphasized using indigenous products and highlighted the massive community effort that makes Deepotsav special—not only for Ayodhya, but for all of India.

Adding to the spiritual energy, Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das Ji Maharaj described the traditional rituals marking the start of Deepotsav. From the Swasti mantras to the lighting of the first diya for Lord Ram and the Saryu River, each act is steeped in symbolism and reverence. Diyas are also lit for Hanuman Ji, Mata Adi Shakti, Sita Ji, and the Ram Darbar, marking a complete spiritual circle that defines the essence of Deepavali.

As thousands prepare to witness the light of millions of diyas dancing on the waters of the Sarayu, the celebration in Ayodhya stands as a glowing tribute not only to Lord Ram but to the collective spirit of a city deeply connected to its roots. Deepotsav 2025 is not just a festival—it is a living narrative of culture, community, and unwavering devotion.

Special Occasion

Dhanteras 2025: A Celebration of Wealth, Health, and New Beginnings

Tanisha Cardozo

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival and is celebrated with deep cultural significance across India. Falling on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, this auspicious day sets the tone for joy, gratitude, and prosperity. In 2025, Dhanteras will be observed on October 28.

The word Dhanteras is derived from “Dhan” meaning wealth and “Teras” referring to the thirteenth day. As per Hindu tradition, the day commemorates the appearance of Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and the deity of Ayurveda, who is said to have emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) holding a pot of amrit (elixir of immortality). This mythological origin gives Dhanteras a dual significance: it is a celebration not only of material wealth but also of health, well-being, and spiritual balance.

One of the most beloved traditions of Dhanteras is the purchase of precious items—typically gold, silver, and new utensils. It is widely believed that buying these items on this day invites prosperity and good fortune into one’s life. Homes and businesses are cleaned thoroughly and adorned with rangolis, marigold flowers, and earthen lamps (diyas) to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the bringer of wealth and good luck.

As evening falls, families across the country perform Dhanvantari Puja or Lakshmi Puja, offering sweets, flowers, and lamps while praying for both financial prosperity and good health. In recent years, National Ayurveda Day is also celebrated on Dhanteras in honor of Lord Dhanvantari, recognizing India’s traditional medical systems and promoting holistic well-being.

In the modern era, Dhanteras has evolved beyond its traditional rituals. While many still invest in jewellery and utensils, others are choosing to invest in health insurance, digital gold, electronics, or even wellness experiences. This reflects a shift in how people perceive “wealth”—as something that encompasses financial security, physical health, and mental peace.

At its core, Dhanteras is a reminder to begin the Diwali season with gratitude, intention, and positivity. Whether it’s through lighting your first diya or reflecting quietly on your blessings, the day invites you to realign with the values of abundance—not just in possessions, but in relationships, health, and hope.

As homes across India begin to glow with lights and anticipation, Dhanteras sets the spiritual and emotional foundation for the festive days to come. It’s a celebration of what we have, what we aspire for, and the deep belief that brighter days are always ahead.