Diwali in Ahmedabad, festival of lights and new beginnings
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Diwali is India’s most celebrated festival, and in Ahmedabad, it takes on a special character. While Diwali is celebrated across India with lights and fireworks, Ahmedabad’s Diwali is inseparable from Bestu Varas, the Gujarati New Year. This unique combination makes Diwali in Ahmedabad a five-day celebration that blends spiritual devotion, commercial significance, and family joy into an unforgettable festival.
In 2025, Diwali arrives on October 20-21, transforming the city into a glowing landscape of diyas, lanterns, and decorative lights. From the Sabarmati Riverfront to local rooftops, from Law Garden’s bustling markets to neighborhood temples, Ahmedabad celebrates with unmatched enthusiasm. The festival culminates with Bestu Varas on October 22, when Ahmedabad’s business community opens new account books (a tradition called Chopda Puja), and the Gujarati New Year officially begins.
This guide covers everything you need to know about celebrating Diwali in Ahmedabad in 2025, from when to celebrate to what to eat and where to experience the festival’s magic.
Diwali 2025 dates and five-day celebration
Diwali is not a single day but a five-day festival, each with its own name and significance. In 2025, the celebration spans from October 18 to October 23:
| Day | Festival Name | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dhanteras | October 18, 2025 | Goddess Lakshmi’s appearance; day to buy gold, silver, utensils |
| 2 | Kali Chaudas (Chhoti Diwali) | October 19, 2025 | Defeat of demon Narakasur; lighting lamps; family gatherings |
| 3 | Lakshmi Puja/Main Diwali | October 20-21, 2025 | Lakshmi Puja on Kartik Amavasya; the main Diwali night |
| 4 | Bestu Varas (Gujarati New Year) | October 22, 2025 | Chopda Puja; new account books opened; Vikram Samvat 2082 begins |
| 5 | Bhai Dooj | October 23, 2025 | Sister’s prayers for brother’s wellbeing; family bonding |
The main Diwali night is October 20-21, when homes light up with diyas (lamps), fireworks light the sky, and families gather for Lakshmi Puja. However, the festival’s influence in Ahmedabad extends through Bestu Varas on October 22, the day unique to Gujarat.
Lakshmi puja and main Diwali night
Lakshmi Puja is the spiritual core of Diwali. On October 20-21, 2025, as the moon disappears (Kartik Amavasya), families light lamps and pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The puja typically occurs in the evening, with the exact timing varying by family, caste, and regional tradition.
In Ahmedabad, Lakshmi Puja is performed in temples, homes, and businesses. The puja ritual involves:
- Lighting diyas (oil lamps) in every corner of the home
- Offering flowers, incense, and sweets to the goddess
- Reading the Lakshmi Puja ritual text (often the Lakshmi Chalisa)
- Distributing blessed prasad (sweets) among family members
- Setting off firecrackers to celebrate (within local noise regulations)
Ahmedabad’s temples, including major ones like the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, organize special pujas and community gatherings during Diwali. Homes glow with strings of lights and diyas placed on windowsills, balconies, and rooftops.
Bestu Varas, the Gujarati New Year
What makes Diwali in Ahmedabad truly special is Bestu Varas, the Gujarati New Year, celebrated on October 22, 2025. Bestu Varas marks the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2082, and in Ahmedabad, it’s observed with Chopda Puja, a ritual unique to Gujarat’s business community.
Chopda Puja and business traditions
Chopda Puja is an ancient tradition where businesses close their old account books (Bahi Khata) and open new ones. On Bestu Varas morning, shopkeepers and accountants perform a small puja before opening the new account ledger. This ritual symbolizes fresh beginnings, prosperity, and accountability.
In Ahmedabad’s commercial hubs like Manek Chowk, Lal Darwaja, and C.G. Road, Chopda Puja is a significant event. Business owners invite clients, employees, and family members for the ceremony. Sweets are distributed, and the new year is inaugurated with optimism and prayers for business growth.
“Saal Mubarak” greetings
As October 22 dawns, Ahmedabad’s streets fill with the greeting “Saal Mubarak” (Happy New Year). People exchange this phrase regardless of their faith or profession. It’s a communal expression of goodwill that transcends religious boundaries, reflecting Ahmedabad’s syncretic culture.
Families also exchange new clothes, gifts, and sweets on Bestu Varas. It’s a day of renewal, reflection, and shared joy.
Diwali lights and decorations in Ahmedabad
Sabarmati Riverfront
The Sabarmati Riverfront transforms during Diwali, with thousands of diyas, lanterns, and decorative lights creating a magical glow reflected in the river. Walking along the riverfront on Diwali nights is an experience unto itself. Vendors sell diyas, sweets, and festive items. Street performers entertain crowds. The riverfront becomes a gathering place for families, couples, and friends celebrating together.
C.G. Road and S.G. Highway (shopping for Diwali)
These commercial stretches glow with elaborate light displays. Shopping malls, restaurants, and businesses decorate their facades with lights, creating an illuminated landscape that attracts families for evening strolls and shopping.
Old city neighborhoods for Diwali celebrations
The old city’s narrow streets, though crowded, develop a festival spirit with decorative lights, rangoli colors, and festive energy. Local temples and houses are decorated with traditional diyas and marigold garlands.
Shopping for Diwali in Ahmedabad
Law Garden night market
Law Garden night market is a weekend bazaar that operates from October to March, becoming a premier shopping destination during Diwali season. The evening market fills with vendors selling clothes, handicrafts, jewelry, and decorative items. Thousands visit for its affordable prices, variety, and festive atmosphere. It’s less crowded on weekday evenings and best visited between 5 PM and 9 PM.
Manek Chowk
Manek Chowk transforms into a sweet and snack hub during Diwali. Traditional sweets shops sell chakli, gathiya, mathia, and other Gujarati delicacies. It’s chaotic but authentic. Learn more about shopping in Ahmedabad for market details.
C.G. Road and Relief Road for shopping
Modern shopping hubs with malls, boutiques, and department stores. Perfect for buying new clothes, jewelry, and gifts. Parking is available, and these areas are less crowded than the old city.
Kalupur and Raipur for traditional sweets
Traditional sweet shops and spice markets where you can buy raw ingredients for making sweets or purchase ready-made options. These areas cater to both retail and wholesale buyers.
Diwali food in Ahmedabad
Diwali food in Ahmedabad is a blend of savory snacks, sweets, and ritual foods that have been prepared for generations. Every household has its own specialties and recipes.
Chakli
Chakli is a spiral-shaped snack made from rice flour, gram flour, and spices. Deep-fried to a golden crunch, chakli is perfect for snacking and gifting. It stays fresh for weeks and is a staple in every Ahmedabad household during Diwali.
Gathiya
Crunchy, spiced gram flour noodles that are thin and delicate. Gathiya is enjoyed as a snack or starter and is a symbol of Gujarati hospitality. It’s often gifted in decorative boxes to neighbors and friends.
Mathia (Mathiya)
A traditional thin, crispy papad made from moth flour or special mathia flour. When deep-fried, it becomes paper-thin and exceptionally crunchy. Mathia is savory, seasoned with cumin, salt, and pepper, and stays fresh for months.
Mohanthal
A rich, soft sweet made from besan (gram flour) roasted in ghee and mixed with jaggery. Mohanthal has a melt-in-the-mouth texture and is often served as a dessert after meals. It’s particularly popular in Ahmedabad and Rajasthan.
Sukhdi
An authentic Gujarati sweet made with just three ingredients: atta (wheat flour), ghee, and jaggery. Sukhdi is a fudge-like confection that’s easy to make, requires just 30 minutes, and tastes heavenly. It’s commonly prepared at home and shared with family.
Other Delicacies
- Jalebi: Spiraled orange sweet, crispy outside and juicy inside, often enjoyed with milk or tea
- Fafda: Fried gram flour noodles, traditionally paired with jalebi
- Barfi: Milk fudge available in varieties like peda, moti choor, and almond
- Khaman: Steamed gram flour cake, spongy and light, often served with green chutney
Safety and firecracker rules in Ahmedabad
Diwali fireworks are a tradition in Ahmedabad, but the city has strict regulations to protect air quality and reduce noise pollution.
Key Rules:
– Fireworks are permitted only between 8 PM and 10 PM on Diwali night
– Only eco-friendly, low-noise crackers are recommended
– Green crackers produce less pollution and sound
– Many residents prefer lighting diyas instead of crackers, a trend gaining popularity
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) monitors compliance. It’s best to follow local guidelines and be considerate of neighbors, elderly people, and pets who may be disturbed by loud noises. For more on Ahmedabad’s governance, see Wikipedia’s article on Ahmedabad.
What to wear during Diwali
Diwali calls for new clothes and traditional dress:
- Women: Saree, salwar kameez, or dress in vibrant colors and festive patterns. Jewelry is traditional.
- Men: Kurta and dhoti, or formal Western wear in festive colors
- Children: Bright, colorful outfits reflecting the festival spirit
Traditional attire is preferred for temple visits and family gatherings. Modern clothing is acceptable for shopping and casual celebrations.
Ahmedabad’s unique Diwali culture
Ahmedabad’s Diwali is special because of its integration with Bestu Varas. The business community’s involvement makes it more than a spiritual festival. Additionally, the city’s history as a commercial hub means Diwali is celebrated with both traditional rituals and modern festivities.
The city’s diverse religious population celebrates together. You’ll find Hindu temples, Muslim businesses, Christian families, and Jain communities all participating in Diwali spirit, making it a truly syncretic celebration. This harmonious coexistence is a hallmark of Ahmedabad’s culture.
Events and activities during Diwali
- Temple Fairs: Major temples organize fairs and special pujas
- Mall Events: Shopping malls host Diwali-themed events, contests, and entertainment
- Sabarmati Riverfront: Special light shows and cultural programs
- Community Gatherings: Neighborhoods organize feasts, parties, and celebrations
- Sweet Competitions: Some communities host contests for making traditional sweets
Last verified: October 2025
FAQ
What are the exact Diwali dates in 2025?
Diwali 2025 runs from October 18-23. The main Diwali night is October 20-21. Bestu Varas (Gujarati New Year) is celebrated on October 22.
What is Bestu Varas?
Bestu Varas is the Gujarati New Year, celebrated the day after Diwali on October 22 in 2025. It marks the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2082. For Ahmedabad’s business community, Bestu Varas is significant because businesses open new account books on this day through a ritual called Chopda Puja.
Why is Chopda Puja important in Ahmedabad?
Chopda Puja is a tradition unique to Gujarat where shopkeepers and accountants close their old account ledgers and open new ones on Bestu Varas. It symbolizes fresh beginnings, honesty in business, and prayers for prosperity in the new year.
What is “Saal Mubarak”?
“Saal Mubarak” is Hindi/Gujarati for “Happy New Year.” It’s the greeting exchanged on Bestu Varas in Ahmedabad, used across all communities as a collective expression of goodwill.
When can fireworks be set off on Diwali?
In Ahmedabad, fireworks are permitted between 8 PM and 10 PM on Diwali night. Green crackers are preferred due to lower pollution and noise.
Where should I buy Diwali sweets in Ahmedabad?
Manek Chowk has the widest selection of traditional sweets. Kalupur and Raipur markets offer quality options. Shopping malls and modern sweet shops on C.G. Road and Relief Road have packaged sweets. For authentic homemade options, buy from neighborhood sweet makers recommended by locals.
What should I wear during Diwali?
Traditional dress is preferred for temple visits and family gatherings. Women often wear sarees or salwar kameez in bright colors. Men wear kurtas or formal wear. Modern clothing is acceptable for shopping and casual celebrations.
Is Diwali celebrated across all religions in Ahmedabad?
Yes. While Diwali is a Hindu festival, it’s celebrated with enthusiasm across Ahmedabad’s Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Jain communities. The city’s syncretic culture makes Diwali a collective festival of lights and joy.
What makes Diwali different in Ahmedabad compared to other Indian cities?
The unique element is Bestu Varas (Gujarati New Year) on October 22, celebrated with Chopda Puja. This makes Diwali in Ahmedabad special for the business community and adds a commercial and auspicious dimension to the spiritual celebration. Ahmedabad also emphasizes shopping and market festivities through Law Garden and neighborhood bazaars.
What is the best time to visit Ahmedabad during Diwali?
October 20-23 is the peak Diwali period. October 22 (Bestu Varas) is best for experiencing Ahmedabad’s unique business traditions. Visit Law Garden on weekend evenings for shopping. The Sabarmati Riverfront is magical on Diwali nights (October 20-21).
