Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, was joyously celebrated across Tamil Nadu, even as heavy rainfall cast its shadow on Monday, October 20, 2025.
Undeterred by the weather, people woke early, donned new attire, and burst firecrackers with customary zeal. The Tamil Nadu Government, referencing a 2018 Supreme Court ruling, had permitted firecracker use for two hours: between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., and again from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
With the rains intermittently playing spoilsport, many were seen bursting crackers during brief lulls in the downpour.
The government also emphasized avoiding firecracker use in ‘silence areas’, particularly near hospitals, and cautioned against bursting them near huts or other easily flammable structures to prevent accidents.
Prominent figures, including Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi and Leader of Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami, extended their warm greetings to the public. Governor Ravi shared his wishes on X, expressing, “May Maa Lakshmi bless us with happiness, health and prosperity, filling our lives with love and compassion and fostering a harmonious society rooted in peace and oneness. Wishing everyone a joyous, vibrant and safe Deepavali.”
Mr. Palaniswami, the former Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “On this joyous festival day, may love and peace flourish across the nation; may all sorrows fade away, giving rise to a bright and radiant future; may divisions disappear and unity prevail; and may prosperity and well-being abound in everyone’s life.”
Adding to the festive cheer, actor Rajinikanth upheld his tradition by meeting and greeting his fans outside his Poes Garden residence in Chennai around 10 a.m. Actor-politician Kamal Haasan, founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam, also conveyed his Deepavali greetings via X, proclaiming, “A festival of all efforts to dispel darkness with light; a day of joy united by light; let all good things in life prosper; let Deepavali bring good things to every one.”