The spirit of Deepavali shone brightly across Tamil Nadu on Monday, October 20, 2025, as residents celebrated the joyous Festival of Lights with their usual enthusiasm, even amidst spells of heavy rainfall.
Early risers donned new clothes and began the festivities by bursting firecrackers. The Tamil Nadu Government, upholding a 2018 Supreme Court ruling, had designated specific times for firecracker use: an hour in the morning (6 a.m. to 7 a.m.) and another in the evening (7 p.m. to 8 p.m.).
With the rains intermittently dampening spirits, celebrants ingeniously adapted, seizing every break in the weather to light up their fireworks and continue the festivities.
Authorities also reminded the public to refrain from bursting firecrackers in “silence areas” like hospitals and to exercise caution near easily flammable structures such as huts.
Prominent figures, including Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi and Leader of Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami, extended their heartfelt Deepavali greetings. Governor Ravi shared his wishes on social media, expressing hope for blessings of “happiness, health and prosperity” from Maa Lakshmi, and fostering “love and compassion” and “a harmonious society rooted in peace and oneness.”
Mr. Palaniswami, the former Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary, echoed these sentiments, wishing for “love and peace to flourish across the nation,” the disappearance of sorrows, and a future abundant with “prosperity and well-being.”
Adding to the festive cheer, veteran actor Rajinikanth maintained his cherished tradition, greeting his fans outside his Chennai residence in Poes Garden, exchanging warm wishes with them.
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan, founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam, also conveyed his Deepavali wishes via social media, describing the occasion as “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.”