Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of India’s most cherished festivals. Known as the Festival of Lights, it celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and hope over despair. In 2025, the main Diwali day will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, but the spirit of the festival extends across five days filled with rituals, shopping, family gatherings, and cultural celebrations.

In Jammu and Kashmir, Diwali transcends the meaning of a festival — it’s an emotion deeply rooted in the culture of Duggar land. Streets dazzle with diyas and fairy lights, homes sparkle with decorations, and sweet shops overflow with festive delicacies. Even for students and professionals away from home, community celebrations bring warmth and joy across Jammu.

Official Diwali Holidays in Jammu Division 2025

To mark the festival season, the Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) has declared a five-day Pooja holiday for all government and recognized private schools across the Jammu division. According to the official notification, holidays will be observed from October 19 to October 23, 2025, covering schools up to the higher secondary level in both summer and winter zones.

Five Days of Diwali 2025 Celebration Jammu & Kashmir

Day 1: Dhanteras (October 18, 2025)
The festival begins with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to wealth and prosperity. People buy gold, silver, and utensils, believing it brings good luck. Jewelry stores and marketplaces witness heavy footfall as festive shopping kicks off.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi / Chhoti Diwali (October 20, 2025)
This day focuses on cleaning homes, performing early morning rituals, and decorating entrances with colorful rangolis and diyas to welcome positivity and good fortune.

Day 3: Lakshmi Puja / Main Diwali Night (October 21, 2025)
The most auspicious day of the festival, when families worship Goddess Lakshmi, light oil lamps, and decorate homes with lights and flowers. Delicious feasts, sweets, and fireworks mark the joyous evening.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja (October 22, 2025)
This day is celebrated by preparing and offering a variety of food to Lord Krishna. Many temples across Jammu host special bhogs and cultural programs.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj/Tikka (October 23, 2025)
Also known as Tikka in Jammu, Dedicated to the beautiful bond between brothers and sisters, Bhai Dooj is celebrated with rituals, blessings, and the exchange of thoughtful gifts.

Read also: How to Celebrate Diwali in a Traditional Way in Jammu

Vibrant Street Celebrations in Jammu Division

Markets across Jammu city, including the Old City bazaars and districts like Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, and Katra, transform into glowing spectacles. Streets brim with lanterns, LED lights, handmade décor, and festive music. Housing societies and localities often compete for the most stunning decorations, creating a carnival-like atmosphere.

You can enjoy the Deepawali Utsav 2025, organized by the Directorate of Tourism Jammu at Apsara Road, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, from October 18 to 21, 2025. The main attractions will include cultural performances, art and craft exhibitions, and local cuisine.

Eco-Friendly Diwali 2025: A Sustainable Celebration

In recent years, Jammu has embraced a more eco-conscious Diwali, promoting environmental responsibility alongside tradition.
Key trends for 2025 include:

• Clay diyas over electric lights, supporting local artisans and saving energy.
• No-cracker Diwali campaigns, aimed at reducing air and noise pollution.
• Natural rangolis, made with flowers, pulses, and organic colors.
• Plant gifting, replacing sweets and plastic hampers with sustainable gifts that promote health and positivity.

Best Weekend Getaways Around Jammu During Diwali

If you wish to make the most of the Diwali holidays, plan a relaxing short trip to some of Jammu’s scenic escapes:

• Patnitop: A serene hill station known for its fresh air and panoramic views.
• Purthu Beach (Basohli): An artificial lakeside beach on the Ravi River offering peaceful retreats.
• Shiv Khori (Ransoo): Explore the mysterious cave shrine of Lord Shiva.
• Sudhmahadev–Mantalai: A sacred site surrounded by mythological significance and natural beauty.
• Vaishno Devi, Katra: Seek divine blessings at one of India’s most visited shrines for good fortune and prosperity.

Unique Diwali Gifting Ideas 2025

This year, traditional gifting trends are evolving in Jammu, with a growing preference for personalized and sustainable choices. Some popular options include:

• Handmade candles and decorative diyas.
• Organic snack hampers and artisanal sweets.
• Customized jewelry and accessories.
• Eco-friendly gift boxes with indoor plants.
• Experience-based gifts like spa vouchers and travel packages.

Read also: Diwali Bakshish: How it is Very Important

Diwali 2025 in Jammu and Kashmir promises to be a radiant blend of tradition, joy, and community spirit. As homes illuminate with diyas and laughter, the festival continues to inspire values of hope, unity, and light. Whether you’re celebrating with family or exploring weekend getaways, Diwali in Jammu will once again remind everyone that light always triumphs over darkness.