2025 - Shubh Deepawali | Mint Souvenir Token

The India Government Mint, Kolkata, issued silver souvenir token in 2025 to mark the auspicious occasion of the Deepawali festival.

The Deepawali Festival, commonly known as Diwali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and holds deep religious, cultural and social significance. The word Deepawali is derived from the Sanskrit words deepa, meaning lamp or light, and avali, meaning a row, signifying a row of lamps.

The festival symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm across different regions of India, although the customs and traditions associated with the festival vary from one community and region to another.

The celebration generally involves cleaning and decorating homes, lighting diyas, creating colourful rangolis, exchanging sweets and gifts, and spending time with family and friends. Lakshmi Puja is an important part of Deepawali celebrations for many communities, as Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped as the deity of prosperity and wealth.

The festival has several important religious associations. In many parts of India, Deepawali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and Lord Rama's victory over Ravana. In other traditions, the festival is associated with Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura. Deepawali also has profound significance in Jainism and Sikhism, with important events commemorated during this period.

The festival extends beyond religious observances and represents a time of renewal, prosperity, togetherness and goodwill. Homes, streets, markets and public spaces are illuminated with lamps and decorative lights, creating a distinctive festive atmosphere. The exchange of sweets and gifts further strengthens bonds among families, friends and communities.

The Deepawali Festival has also found a place in India's artistic and commemorative traditions. Its imagery of lamps, Goddess Lakshmi, traditional motifs and symbols of prosperity has been represented on coins, medals, souvenir tokens, stamps and other memorabilia, providing a lasting record of the cultural importance of the festival.

The Deepawali Festival continues to be an enduring symbol of India's rich cultural heritage, bringing together diverse traditions while conveying the universal message of light, hope, peace and the victory of good over evil.