Diwali 2025 News Live Updates: Cities light up as celebrations begin; GRAP-II implemented in Delhi-NCR

A spectacular Deepdaan was held in Mathura today to mark Diwali.
Thousands of lamps were lit at Lord Krishna’s birthplace.
Devotees gathered in large numbers, celebrating the festival of lights with devotion.

Diwali celebrations in Ujjain's Baba Mahakal Temple are in full swing.

Special worship and aarti were performed using sparkling sparklers.

Devotees gathered in large numbers, adding to the festive fervour.

New Delhi celebrated the vibrant festival of Diwali on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
Homes and streets were adorned with lights, diyas, and decorations.
The city radiated festive cheer, capturing the spirit of the festival.

Express Photo by Amit Mehra

Army officers at Azmat-e-Hind, Tangdhar, celebrated Diwali with local children.

Soldiers and residents lit diyas, shared sweets, and enjoyed cultural performances.
The festive event fostered joy, unity, and togetherness in the remote border area.

Two new world records were set at this year's Deepotsav in Ayodhya: 26.17 lakh diyas lit at the same place as 2,128 people performed 'aarti' together for the grand celebrations in the temple town, the Uttar Pradesh government said.

Representatives from the Guinness World Records made the announcement after verifying the count of the diyas using drones, a government statement said.

UP Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh and Principal Secretary Amrit Abhijat presented the Guinness certificate to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The first Guinness award was given for the largest display of oil lamps (26,17,215) achieved jointly by the UP Department of Tourism, the Ayodhya administration, and the Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University.

The Commission for Air Quality Management in Delhi-NCR has ordered for the immediate implementation of actions under Stage- II of the Graded Response Action Plan following the deterioration in the air quality to 'very poor' on Diwali eve.

This comes four days after Stage - I of the GRAP was put in place in the capital. Citing India Meterological Department's forecast, CAQM's order said, "The AQI of Delhi has shown an increasing trend since morning and has been recorded as 296 at 4:00 pm and 302 at 7:00 pm.

The forecast by IMD/IITM also predicts further deterioration of AQI in the coming days.

Srinagar’s markets came alive with crowds ahead of the Diwali celebrations.

Shoppers thronged bazaars to buy sweets, decor, and firecrackers.
The city buzzed with excitement as residents prepared for the festival of lights.

Homes and galleries across Navi Mumbai lit up with diyas and decorative lights.

Residents embraced the spirit of Diwali with joy and vibrant celebrations.

The city sparkled with warmth, colour, and festive cheer.

Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty

An aerial view captured massive crowds at Ram Ki Paidi in Ayodhya.
Devotees gathered ahead of the grand Deepotsav and Diwali celebrations.
The ghats glowed with anticipation as the city prepared for its festival of lights.

Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal

A stunning Diwali celebration took place at Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar.

Devotees lit a series of 10,000 lamps, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

The event filled the temple complex with warmth, light, and festive cheer.

Express Photo by Bhupendra Rana

Kolkata’s iconic Howrah Bridge is illuminated with vibrant lights for Diwali.

The dazzling display is an attraction amongst locals and tourists alike.

The festive glow has added a spectacular charm to the city’s celebrations.

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has announced revised train timings for the Diwali holidays on October 20 and 21.

According to a statement by CMRL, a special timetable will be in effect on Monday, October 20 and Tuesday, October 21.

“Special (Holiday) timetable will be followed on 20.10.2025 (Monday) & Sunday (Holiday) timetable will be followed on 21.10.2025 (Tuesday) in the view of Deepavali Holidays,” it said.

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday greeted fellow citizens on the eve of Diwali and urged everyone to celebrate the festival safely, responsibly and in an environment-friendly manner.

Murmu said this festival is also an opportunity to help and support the deprived and the needy, and to bring joy into their lives.

Diwali, one of India's most popular festivals, is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm, she said in a message.

"The festival symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Celebrated across the country with immense fervour, the auspicious occasion of Diwali gives the message of mutual affection and brotherhood.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath highlighted past challenges during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement at Deepotsav 2025.

He criticised Congress and SP-led government for opposing devotees and denying participation in the Ram temple ceremony.

“These are the people who do ‘sajda’ at Babar’s grave but stayed away from the Ram temple pran pratistha,” he says.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta celebrates ‘Choti Diwali’ with children at DMRC home.

She distributed gifts, bringing smiles to children away from their families.

“Celebrating Diwali with them as a family was truly fulfilling,” she said.

A day before Diwali celebrations take over the capital, the Delhi police said that around 188 vendors have applied for temporary licences to sell green crackers, approved by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), and 168 have been approved.

The Supreme Court order Wednesday paved the way for the sale of green firecrackers in Delhi—revoking a ban usually in place due to pollution concerns—between October 18 and October 20.

The apex court also directed that the bought crackers should only be burst between 7 am and 8 am and from 8 pm to 10 pm on October 19 and October 20.

Final preparations underway at Ram Ki Paidi in Lucknow for Deepotsav 2025.

Devotees carefully place oil and cotton wicks in hundreds of diyas along the ghats.

The stage is set for a mesmerising festival of lights and devotion.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath performs Aarti of artists portraying Lord Ram, Mata Sita, and Lakshman.

The ritual adds a spiritual touch to the Deepotsav 2025 celebrations.

Devotees witness the fusion of faith and artistry in Ayodhya.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath leads the Shobha Yatra in Ayodhya, pulling the divine chariot.

The grand procession marks the beginning of Deepotsav 2025 celebrations.

Thousands gather as Ayodhya glows in devotion ahead of Diwali festivities.

The Border Security Force (BSF) organised a vibrant Diwali Mela at its Humhama campus in Budgam to bring joy to the families of jawans deployed on duty at the Line of Control (LOC).

The event featured cultural performances, traditional stalls, children's activities and festive celebrations, highlighting BSF's commitment to troop welfare and family support.

IG BSF of Kashmir Frontier, Ashok Yadav, extended warm wishes to the nation on the auspicious occasion of Diwali and stated that the BSF is celebrating the festival with a rejuvenating Diwali fair. The fair features a variety of food and cloth stalls, rides, games, and more entertaining activities.

(ANI)

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath reached Ayodhya on Saturday.

The visit comes ahead of the grand Deepotsav 2025 celebrations.

Preparations are in full swing across the temple town for the festival.

The sacred town of Udaipur in Tripura is abuzz with devotion and excitement as the three-day Diwali festival is set to be celebrated at the Mata Tripura Sundari Shrine from October 20 to 22.

Gomati District Majistrate and Collector, Rinku Lather, told ANI that the grand event has been jointly organised by the Trust Mela Committee and the Gomati District Administration, with participation from dignitaries, priests, and thousands of devotees.

"As you all know, the three-day Diwali festival will be celebrated at the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple on the 20th, 21st, and 22nd of this month. The entire event has been organised by the Trust Mela Committee and the District Administration. Many dignitaries and devotees will attend the celebrations," he said.

At Ayodhya, a record 26,11,101 lamps will illuminate Ram Ki Paidi and 56 ghats, aiming to secure a Guinness World Record. Volunteers began preparing the lamps early this morning, placing wicks and pouring oil to ensure they are lit in unison at sunset.

From procuring 73,000 litres of oil and 55 lakh cotton wicks to roping in 33,000 volunteers — the mammoth exercise to lay over 26 lakh diyas across 56 ghats for the Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya began on Friday to create a new world record.

Heavy rains in parts of Tamil Nadu did not hamper festive spirits as several people thronged markets and commercial establishments to make last-minute Diwali purchases.

The Tamil Nadu government has made elaborate arrangements, including special buses at vital locations across the state enabling people make smooth travel to their respective hometowns to celebrate the festival.

Southern Railway has also announced special trains to accommodate larger number of passengers traveling to reach their respective destinations.

Authorities in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have intensified security in and around Peshawar to ensure peaceful celebration of Diwali.

Elaborate security arrangements have been finalised in view of the upcoming festivities. Heavy contingents of police have been deployed at key points, while special teams have been tasked with maintaining round-the-clock patrols and monitoring, a senior police official said.

Security agencies have been put on high alert while vigilance has been intensified around temples and other sensitive locations to ensure the peaceful observance of the festival.

-PTI

The Kolkata Police has prohibited flying sky lanterns during Kali Puja and Diwali due to potential fire hazards. According to Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma, strict surveillance will be implemented to enforce the ban and violators may face police action.

The move aims to prioritise public safety during the festivals, said the police. Police commissioner Verma directed strict surveillance following multiple complaints about the risk sky lanterns pose to aircraft operations.

Only green crackers are allowed in Kolkata and strict action will be taken against those using banned firecrackers, said the officials. Police have started checking at key points to enforce this rule.

Railway stations in Delhi are witnessing a massive rush of passengers heading home. Watch visuals from Anand Vihar Railway Station.

Pune’s Diwali begins in the dark with the soulful swaras coming to life even before diyas are lit and faral is served. The city’s beloved Diwali Pahat tradition will unfold this year across various morning gatherings, each distinct in mood and format yet bound by the same ritual of tradition.

Read about Pune’s Diwali Pahat, the festive tradition of musical mornings.

Kolkata Metro will extend its services on Kali Puja, October 20, for an additional hour along the East-West corridor.

The Green Line (Howrah Maidan-Salt Lake Sector 5 stretch) will see 120 metro services, with 60 trips (Up and Down) in each direction.

The last train from Howrah Maidan will depart at 10.45 pm, extended from the usual 9.45 pm departure.

The last train from Salt Lake Sector 5 will leave at 10.47 pm, instead of the usual 9.47 pm, according to a Kolkata Metro Railway statement issued today.

The Andhra CM announced that the government will settle one portion of the police department's earned leave payments, splitting the amount into two equal installments of Rs 105 crore.

Naidu further mentioned that the health insurance scheme for employees will be streamlined within 60 days and announced that child care leave of 180 days can be availed before retirement.

According to the CM, property tax has been waived for buildings of government employees' association offices and promotions to Road Transport Corporation (RTC) employees have been cleared as a Diwali gift.

(PTI inputs)

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu has announced a set of benefits for government employees on the occasion of Diwali, including release of one dearness allowance from November 1.

The state government will incur an expenditure of Rs 160 crore per month towards Dearness Allowance (DA), he said.

Meanwhile, in Mumbai, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani met civic workers and distributed Diwali gifts at Kamgar Nagar, Kurla.

In Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court’s go-ahead for green crackers has brought a renewed spark to Diwali celebrations.

The order, passed by a bench of Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, attempts to strike a balance between the livelihood concerns of the firecracker industry, festive traditions and the public health crisis caused by air pollution in the region every winter.

When the rest of India celebrates Diwali, Kolkata celebrates Kali puja with much pomp and show.

Why? Read our full report.

The 117-year-old Calcutta Stock Exchange may mark its final Kali Puja and Diwali as a functioning exchange on October 20. Trading was suspended in April 2013 due to regulatory non-compliance, and after a decade-long legal battle, CSE is now seeking voluntary exit from its stock exchange licence.

A sense of nostalgia lingers among the remaining members as CSE readies for its last festive celebration as an independent bourse.

Delhi Labour Minister Kapil Mishra said, "Our labour ministry decided that the festival of Diwali should be celebrated with our construction workers. So, since morning, we are celebrating Diwali with construction workers in Delhi."

Meanwhile in Sikkim, the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) urged people to refrain from bursting firecrackers on Diwali, citing its toll on the environment.

It also urged the people to refrain from using single-use plastic items during the festivities to prevent littering.

In Ranchi, women from local mahila mandals are crafting eco-friendly diyas made from cow dung, creating both, a greener Diwali and a source of income.

At Sukurhutu Gaushala in Kanke, 90–100 women produce around 7,000 diyas daily, with bulk orders coming in from places such as Varanasi.

Each diya earns women 75 paise, with some producing up to 400 a day. Other groups in Karamtoli enhance traditional diyas with hand-painted designs, selling sets of 11, 21 or 51 and earning around Rs 550 daily during the festive rush.

(with PTI inputs)

Vibrant decorations greet visitors in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, as the city prepares for Diwali. The main event is set for Sunday night, when over 26 lakh earthen lamps will light up the ghats of the Saryu River. The celebrations will include cultural performances, a laser show, eco-friendly fireworks, and a drone display depicting episodes from the Ramayana.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) on Saturday said the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar metro rail would be functional only till 7 pm on Diwali Day — October 20.

The usual timings of the Metro area are between 6:20 am and 10 pm. However, the decision was taken keeping in mind the festivities, and the safety of passengers, the GMRC said in a statement.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has revised train timings on October 19–20 (Sunday and Monday).

Today, the metro train services on the Pink, Magenta and Grey Lines, which usually start at 07:00 hrs on Sundays, will commence at 06:00 hrs.

Kartavya Path in New Delhi lit up yesterday with a drone show and the glow of 1.5 lakh diyas marking Diwali celebrations. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with ministers Kapil Mishra and Manjinder Singh Sirsa, attended the event that also featured laser projection mapping and a display of over two lakh earthen lamps.

Diwali preparations and celebrations are in full swing across the country. Streets are lighting up, markets are buzzing and the traffic police have rolled out diversions to manage the rush. Metro services in multiple cities, too, are running special schedules to handle the festive rush.

Happy Diwali! Follow this space to keep up with Diwali-related news.