Diwali (pronounced “dee-wah-lee”), or Deepawali, is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. Diwali, known as the “festival of lights” in the South Asian community, the five-day festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and of light, knowledge and hope over darkness, ignorance and despair.

Diwali originated as the Harvest Festival that marked the last harvest of the year before winter. India was an agricultural society where people would seek the divine blessing of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, as they closed their accounting books and prayed for success at the outset of a new financial year. 

Though the number of days of the celebration of the festival differs with various communities, the actual days of observance of Diwali are common and fall on exactly the same set of days. Diwali is observed generally in the months of October or November. In 2025, Diwali will be celebrated from October 18th to October 20th.  

Wherever Diwali takes you, UP Express is here to connect you with friends and family. 

Travel with UP Express!

Flying through Pearson Airport to celebrate with loved ones? UP Express has your covered with fares for the whole family. Don’t forget – kids 12 years and under ride free on UP!

Group Pass

With UP Express Group Pass, groups of 3-5 people save up to 36% on one-way fares when travelling together to/from downtown Toronto and Pearson Airport.