Indian Festivals

Karwa Chauth 2025 marks a significant occasion in the Hindu calendar, celebrated by married women who observe a day-long fast for the well-being and longevity of their spouses. The festival blends devotion, tradition, and cultural heritage, beginning with the pre-dawn consumption of sargi and concluding with moon sighting rituals in the evening. Proper preparation, including the collection of ceremonial samagri, adherence to auspicious timings, and following the ritualistic steps meticulously, ensures a spiritually fulfilling experience.

Karwa Chauth, a revered festival celebrated by married Hindu women, transcends geographical boundaries, with devotees observing the fast in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. In 2025, the festival falls on Thursday, October 16, aligning with local time zones for accurate ritual observance. Women fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for the well-being and longevity of their spouses. Observing key rituals—including sargi consumption, puja offerings, and moon sighting—is central to the celebration.

Karwa Chauth 2025, falling on Thursday, October 16, is a culturally and spiritually significant festival celebrated by married women for the well-being and longevity of their spouses. Observing the day with devotion requires attention to key rituals, timely preparation, and adherence to traditional practices. From the pre-dawn sargi to evening moon-sighting ceremonies, each ritual carries symbolic and spiritual importance. Missing any of these can diminish the intended blessings of the day.

The Golden Temple in Amritsar lit up in a spectacular display of fireworks and elaborate decorations to mark Shri Guru Ramdas Ji Gurpurab 2025. Devotees from across India and abroad thronged the sacred site, participating in prayers, kirtans, and ceremonial rituals. Authorities ensured smooth management of the massive crowds while maintaining security and hygiene protocols. The festival not only celebrated the spiritual legacy of Shri Guru Ramdas Ji but also underscored the cultural and economic significance of religious tourism in Punjab.

Markets across Bengaluru remained closed on October 7, 2025, in observance of Valmiki Jayanti, a day commemorating the birth of the revered sage Valmiki. Stock exchanges, commodity markets, and retail trading hubs were all non-operational, affecting trading activity for the day. While the holiday temporarily pauses market operations, brokers, investors, and businesses have been advised to plan transactions accordingly.

As India enters the festive season, Delhi is poised for a robust retail surge, with the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) projecting sales of around Rs 75,000 crore. The report highlights growing consumer enthusiasm fueled by attractive discounts, seasonal offers, and rising disposable incomes. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local traders are expected to benefit significantly, while online and offline channels compete for consumer attention. Experts anticipate this period will provide a crucial boost to urban consumption, signaling recovery momentum post-pandemic.

The festive spirit of Navratri illuminated the evening as Nita Ambani, philanthropist and cultural patron, joined devotees and performers at a grand garba celebration. Radiating grace and enthusiasm, she embraced the vibrancy of the nine-night festival, which honors Goddess Durga through music, dance, and devotion. Her presence added significance to the occasion, drawing attention not only to the beauty of India’s cultural traditions but also to the enduring spirit of community celebrations that bind people together during Navratri.

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India’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) e-commerce sector experienced a robust 25% year-on-year growth during the 2025 Navratri festival season, with beauty and fashion categories leading the surge, according to GoKwik. Beauty and personal care products accounted for 27.8% of total orders, narrowly surpassing fashion and apparel at 27.73%, collectively generating nearly half of festive sales revenue. The period also saw a notable rise in average order values, up 18%, alongside higher prepaid purchases and lower cancellations, reflecting growing consumer confidence in online shopping.

Dussehra 2025, also celebrated as Vijayadashami, marks the culmination of the Navratri festival and symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Observed across India with regional variations, the day is significant for performing elaborate puja rituals, including the worship of Goddess Durga and the burning of Ravana effigies. This year, devotees can follow prescribed puja vidhi, timings, and mantras to ensure auspicious observances.

As Dussehra 2025 approaches, millions of Indians prepare to celebrate Vijayadashami, a festival symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Beyond traditional rituals and puja, sharing festive greetings, images, and messages has become a popular way to connect with family, friends, and colleagues in the digital age. From heartfelt wishes to creative social media statuses, personalized greetings convey blessings and joy. This year, over 100 curated messages, images, and WhatsApp-ready greetings are circulating to help people express festive cheer.