Diwali 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his happiness and gratitude at celebrating Diwali this year with Navy personnel aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. He said that spending the night on the ship was a unique experience, and added that being with the crew made him appreciate their dedication and discipline. The PM added that while he could not fully match their level of commitment, he gained a firsthand understanding of the challenges and the spirit required to serve on the carrier.
Earlier, PM Modi took to X and wished the country a Happy Diwali while also pushing for purchase of “Swadeshi” products. “Let’s mark this festive season by celebrating the hardwork, creativity and innovation of 140 crore Indians. Let’s buy Indian products and say- Garv Se Kaho Yeh Swadeshi Hai! Do also share what you bought on social media. This way you will inspire others to also do the same.”
GRAP Stage-II invoked as Delhi air becomes unbreathable, again
As the festive celebrations continue across the National Capital Region (NCR) and the rest of the country, Delhi’s air quality has worsened, falling into the “Poor” category. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect.
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has stayed in the ‘poor’ range — between 201 and 300 — for the past few days during the Diwali season. As of 4 PM on Sunday, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an AQI of 296 in Delhi.
“Actions under Stage-I & II of the extant GRAP shall be implemented, monitored and reviewed in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further. All implementing agencies shall keep strict vigil and intensify measures of the extent GRAP schedule. Citizens may be requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stage-I & II,” the CAQM order stated.
Traffic Diversions and Restrictions:
- Buses and commercial vehicles will not be allowed on Netaji Subhash Marg and will be diverted at the T-Point.
- Traffic diversions will also be in place at Chhatta Rail, Shanti Van Chowk, Delhi Gate, and GPO Chowk.
- E-rickshaws, autos, and cycle rickshaws will not be allowed beyond Chhatta Rail Chowk.
- Designated parking areas will be available at Parade Ground, ASI Parking, Dangal Maidan, and Omaxe Mall. Parking on roadsides will not be allowed during this period.
- According to the advisory, all buses, including DTC and other commercial vehicles coming from Daryaganj side on Netaji Subhash Marg, will be diverted from the T-Point towards Shanti Van. Vehicles coming from Old Delhi Railway Station or Lothian Road will be redirected from Chhatta Rail towards the Salimgarh bypass.
- More diversions may also be implemented from Shanti Van Chowk, Delhi Gate Chowk, and GPO Chowk if needed.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: Sikkim Governor celebrates Diwali with soldiers at Doka La
Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur on Monday celebrated Diwali with Army jawans at the 13,400-feet Doka La Pass, site of the 2017 India-China standoff. Commending the soldiers’ courage and dedication, Mathur called them an inspiration to the youth and said the nation remains indebted to their service. He distributed sweets among officers and jawans and highlighted the inclusion of Doka La, Nathu La, and Cho La in the Rannbhoomi Darshan battlefield tourism programme, urging youth to visit and appreciate the sacrifices of armed forces. The governor also extended festival greetings and distributed sweets at Sherathang Helipad, Dichu, and Gnathang villages.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: PM Modi meets VP Radhakrishnan, greets him on Diwali
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and extended his greetings on the occasion of Diwali.
"Met Vice President Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji and wished him a very happy Diwali," Modi said in a post on X.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: Diwali celebrated with special Bhasma aarti at Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar temple
Devotees thronged Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on Monday to celebrate Diwali with a special Bhasma Aarti and Divya Deep Aarti of Baba Mahakal. The celebrations began in the pre-dawn Brahma Muhurta with priests and devotees lighting a symbolic sparkler during the sacred Bhasma Aarti. Prior to this, Baba Mahakal received a grand Panchamrit Maha Abhishek, followed by the application of aromatic herbal paste and Aarti by priests’ wives. The temple observed a single symbolic sparkler for safety reasons. Om Guru, a priest, noted the significance as Narak Chaturdashi coincided with Diwali, with 56 types of bhog offered.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and cricket fraternity extend Diwali greetings
India’s cricket stars, including Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Mithali Raj, lit up social media with warm Diwali wishes. Currently touring Australia, Kohli wished that homes be “filled with warmth, love, and countless blessings.” Gill shared his greetings for a Diwali “filled with light, laughter, and love.” Mithali Raj, Gautam Gambhir, and VVS Laxman also conveyed messages of peace and prosperity. The BCCI joined the celebration with a festive poster. Diwali, celebrated over five days from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the spirit of joy, gratitude, and togetherness.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: Kash Patel extends heartfelt Diwali wishes
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: PM Modi meets President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, shares Diwali greetings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan to extend Diwali greetings, according to an official post on X. The President, in her own social media message, wished all Indians, both in India and abroad, a joyous Diwali. She said, "This festival of joy is also an occasion for self-reflection and self-improvement. This festival is also an opportunity to help and support the deprived and the needy, and to bring joy into their lives. I urge everyone to celebrate Diwali safely, responsibly and in an environmentally friendly manner." Murmu concluded by wishing happiness, peace, and prosperity to all.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: Delhi Air quality turns ‘very poor’ on Diwali
Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply on Diwali, with 34 out of 38 monitoring stations recording pollution in the ‘red zone’, indicating ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ air. The 24-hour average AQI stood at 345, up from 326 on Sunday. According to the SAMEER app, Dwarka (417), Ashok Vihar (404), Wazirpur (423), and Anand Vihar (404) entered the ‘severe’ category. Transport emissions contributed 15.6 per cent to pollution, while industries and other factors accounted for 23.3 per cent. Authorities expect the AQI to worsen in the coming days, despite the Supreme Court permitting the sale of green firecrackers.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: UP Leaders extend Diwali greetings
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath termed Diwali a sacred festival symbolising truth, Sanatan Dharma, virtue, and positivity. In a post on X, he said, “The festival of lights is not merely a ritual of lighting lamps, but also a ray of hope in the soul, a pulse of harmony in society, and a resolve for a renaissance in the nation.” Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak also extended greetings, highlighting prosperity, happiness, and self-reliance. Leaders from SP, Congress, and BSP—including Akhilesh Yadav, Ajay Rai, and Mayawati—wished citizens joy, harmony, and mutual cooperation this festive season.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: Samantha Ruth Prabhu spreads Diwali Joy with Children from NGOs
Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu celebrated Diwali in a heartwarming way, joining children from various NGOs for a special festive event. Sharing glimpses on Instagram, she was seen interacting with the kids, lighting candles, and enjoying performances. Dressed in a yellow suit, Samantha also distributed gifts and captured joyful moments with the children.
“Light of Joy 2025. What a beautiful evening it was--one filled with laughter, gratitude, and togetherness,” she wrote. She highlighted the gratitude activity, marking the 11th year of Pratyusha Support, and expressed hopes for bigger celebrations in the future.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: Yogi Adityanath appeals to help the needy during Diwali
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged citizens to support those who cannot afford lamps or sweets this Diwali, officials said. Speaking at a Nishad community colony in Ayodhya’s Abhiramdas ward on Monday, he recalled, “When Lord Ram was on his way to the forest (along with Goddess Sita and Lord Laxman), then it was Nishadraj, who was the first person to offer assistance to Lord Ram. He was the first person with whom Lord Ram had a friendship. And this friendship has continued since the Tretaa Yug.” Adityanath highlighted the grand Deepotsav festival as a celebration of this legacy.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: Sivakasi firecracker markets buzz ahead of Diwali
Markets in Tamil Nadu’s Sivakasi are alive with activity as locals and visitors rush to buy firecrackers for Diwali, signaling a strong revival in production and sales after the Supreme Court cleared the path.
Prabhakaran, a firecracker manufacturer and seller from Sivakasi, told ANI that the year began with slow production, but orders picked up significantly after June.
“Due to several accidents and ongoing inspections by authorities, many factories were temporarily suspended, causing a brief lag in production. But during the final phase of the season, everything stabilised, and we can confidently say that sales have increased by around 20 per cent compared to last year,” he said.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: Vaishnaw reviews festive travel preparedness
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday visited the Railway Board’s War Room to review passenger movement during the festive season. He lauded railway staff for working 24x7 and extended Diwali greetings.
A day earlier, Vaishnaw made a surprise inspection at Anand Vihar Railway Station, interacting with passengers and reviewing cleanliness and safety. He assured smooth travel despite heavy rush and warned against fake videos about Railways. Recently, in Jaipur, he launched new platforms and a pilot initiative of printed blanket covers in AC coaches to enhance passenger comfort and hygiene.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: BCCI, Gambhir, Laxman, and Pathan extend Diwali wishes
The BCCI, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir, and former cricketers VVS Laxman and Irfan Pathan wished citizens across India a happy Diwali on Monday. BCCI shared a Diwali poster on their official X account, wishing everyone a sparkling festival. Gautam Gambhir also posted on X, sending greetings for a happy and prosperous Diwali and hoping the festival’s lights dispel all darkness.
VVS Laxman shared a poster and message, expressing his wish that the divine light of Diwali fills everyone’s life with peace, prosperity, and joy. Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan extended warm wishes for a Diwali full of peace, prosperity, and endless happiness.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: Tibetan Government-in-exile extends Diwali greetings, hopes for peace
The Tibetan government-in-exile on Monday wished the people of India a happy Diwali, expressing hope that the festival of lights brings peace and inspires a resolution to the Sino-Tibet conflict.
Tenzin Lekshay, spokesperson for the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), said the greetings were sent on behalf of the CTA and Tibetans worldwide. He added that the festival’s message of truth, nonviolence, and freedom should guide efforts to bring peace to Tibet and help resolve the ongoing conflict with China.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: Texas Governor Greg Abbott hosts Diwali celebrations at Governor’s mansion
Texas Governor Greg Abbott hosted the 2025 Diwali celebrations at the Governor’s Mansion, continuing a long-standing tradition that brings the Indo-American community together to celebrate the festival of lights. The Sunday event was attended by the Consul General of India in Houston, D. C. Manjunath, along with prominent members of the Indo-American community and local elected officials.
Governor Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott participated in lighting the ceremonial lamp, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The Governor also praised the Indian-American community for their contributions to Texas’ growth, innovation, and diversity.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: '14 crore lamps of transformation' - Tejashwi Yadav pledges to 'illuminate Bihar'
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Monday wished the people of Bihar a happy and prosperous Diwali. He also pledged to bring change and development to the state. In his post on X, Tejashwi said he hopes every Diwali after 2025 will be brighter and more successful for Bihar. He promised that together, the people of Bihar would light a lamp of transformation so strong that the entire country, and even the world, would take notice. He added that this vision is possible because of the collective strength of Bihar’s 14 crore people, who he described as lamps ready to light up the state’s future.
Tejashwi further added, "I have just one dream: just as a single sun illuminates the entire earth, in the same way, may our Bihar become such a great sun of progress, advancement, and development that the entire world is illuminated by it. #happydiwali #tejashwiyadav."
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: A look at PM Modi's Diwali celebrations on board INS Vikrant
#watch | Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to INS Vikrant off the coast of Goa and celebrated #diwali with Indian Navy personnel
While onboard INS Vikrant, PM Modi went to the flightdeck, surrounded by the MiG 29K fighters, witnessed the Air Power Demo, the takeoff and landing… pic.twitter.com/NdhHMYcUCY
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: Devotees throng temple for Kali Puja
Thousands of devotees visited well-known Kali temples across West Bengal on Monday to celebrate Kali Puja. Long queues were seen at Thanthania Kali Bari, the 322-year-old temple in north Kolkata, as well as at Kalighat, Firingi Kalibari, Dakshineswar Mandir, and Tarapith in Birbhum. People offered prayers, lit lamps, and sought blessings from Goddess Kali.
At Karunamoyee Kali Bari, also known as Lake Kali Bari in south Kolkata, the traditional Kumari Puja was performed, where a young girl is worshipped as a symbol of divine feminine power. In Naihati, North 24 Parganas, the famous Bara Maa Kali Puja attracted huge crowds. Many popular Kali Puja pandals in Kolkata, including the Phata Kesto pandal, as well as those in Barasat and other parts of North 24 Parganas, also saw heavy footfall throughout the day.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: 'Nation on verge of being free from Naxal-Maoist terror,' says PM Modi - Watch
#watch | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "... Today, the nation is on the verge of being free from Naxal-Maoist terror. Before 2014, around 125 districts of the country were affected by Maoist violence. Due to a decade of persistent efforts, this number has reduced… pic.twitter.com/G4KGC7XcoZ
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: 'Our armed forces have rapidly taken steps toward Atmanirbharta,' says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Indian Navy, Air Force, and Army for their bravery, skill, and teamwork, recalling how their strength and coordination led Pakistan to surrender quickly during Operation Sindoor. Speaking from INS Vikrant, he saluted the courage of personnel from all three forces and said that a nation capable of defending itself through its own strength always holds an advantage. He emphasized that self-reliance is key to keeping the armed forces strong.
Modi also highlighted the deep connection between soldiers and the nation’s soil, saying their courage comes from their roots in India. He compared this to how India’s defence capabilities grow stronger as more of its weapons and equipment are made domestically. He expressed pride that over the past decade, the armed forces have made great progress toward Atmanirbharta—or self-reliance.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: Gold and silver prices rise again after brief dip
Gold and silver prices increased on Monday in the domestic futures market as investors returned to buy after a short dip from record highs. The renewed demand came as global uncertainties pushed investors toward safer assets. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures for December delivery rose by Rs 982, or 0.77%, to Rs 1,27,990 per 10 grams, with a trading volume of 14,913 lots.
Gold had earlier hit a record high of Rs 1,32,294 per 10 grams on Friday but later settled at Rs 1,27,008, ending a five-day rally. The February 2026 gold contract also gained Rs 1,680, or 1.31%, to Rs 1,29,743 per 10 grams in 1,862 lots. In the previous session, it had touched a new peak of Rs 1,34,024 per 10 grams.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: 'Our armed forces have rapidly taken steps toward Atmanirbharta,' says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the courage and dedication of the soldiers, saying their deep connection to the nation’s soil inspires them to protect its honour and dignity. He compared their strength to India’s growing self-reliance in defence, noting that as the country produces more of its own weapons and equipment, the armed forces become stronger. Modi also expressed pride that in the past decade, India’s military has made significant progress toward Atmanirbharta (self-reliance).
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: 'Fortunate this time' - PM Modi celebrates Diwali on board INS Vikrant
#watch | "I am fortunate that this time I am celebrating this holy festival of Diwali among all you brave soldiers of the Navy", says Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he celebrates Diwali at INS Vikrant off the coast of Goa and Karwar pic.twitter.com/Df1hKpbkma
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: PM Modi celebrates Diwali with Navy personnel on INS Vikrant
Continuing the tradition of celebrating Diwali with the country’s armed forces, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited INS Vikrant off the coast of Goa and Karwar. PM Modi’s address to the Navy personnel on INS Vikrant will be broadcast soon.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: 'Celebrate with mutual harmony, goodwill, and joy,' says Nitish Kumar
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar too extended his Diwali greetings, saying the festival should be celebrated with goodwill, harmony, and happiness. In a post on X, he said, "Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the festival of lights, Deepawali. Deepawali is a symbol of the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Celebrate it with mutual harmony, goodwill, and joy. May Deepawali bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to the state."
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: Rajnath Singh wishes citizens a Happy Diwali, prays for positivity and prosperity
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday wished all citizens a Happy Diwali, hoping the festival brings new energy, positivity, and prosperity to everyone’s life. In a post on X, he said, "Heartfelt Diwali greetings to all fellow countrymen on this sacred festival of light and joy. May this divine festival of lights infuse new energy, positivity, and prosperity into our lives--that is my prayer to God. With the blessings of Mother Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, may the lamp of peace, unity, and continuous progress forever shine bright in the country. Happy Diwali!"
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: Rahul Gandhi, Kharge extend Diwali greetings
Congress leader and Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday wished citizens across India a Happy Diwali, hoping the festival brings joy, prosperity, and love. In a post on X, he said, "Heartfelt Diwali greetings to all fellow citizens. May India be illuminated by the lamps of happiness, and may every courtyard be filled with the light of joy, prosperity, and love."
Earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also shared his warm Diwali wishes, calling for unity, love, and the triumph of truth and justice. In his X post, Kharge said, "Heartfelt Diwali greetings to all my fellow citizens from my side. May this wonderful festival, which leads from darkness to light, fill your life with joy." He added, "May everyone's life be filled with happiness, peace, and prosperity; that is my heartfelt wish."
Kharge also encouraged people to come together to promote harmony and stand against injustice. "Let us all come together to promote love, brotherhood, harmony, and goodwill, and confront injustice, ignorance, and discrimination unitedly, so that the light of truth and justice always illuminates our path. #happydiwali," he said.
Diwali 2025 Live Updates: Devotees assembly at Malaikottai Arulmigu Thayumanaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli to offer prayers
#watch | Tamil Nadu: Devotees throng Malaikottai Arulmigu Thayumanaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli to offer prayers to Lord Vinayagar on the occasion of #diwali2025 pic.twitter.com/Aujnag8orF