Diwali 2025, the much-awaited Festival of Lights, is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and spiritual rituals, with the main festivities traditionally spanning over five days. The central day for the main Diwali celebration is Monday, October 20, 2025, which is the day for the critical Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja. Although Diwali is traditionally aligned with the new moon night (Amavasya Tithi) in the Hindu calendar, this year’s Amavasya Tithi overlaps, creating a slight debate on whether the main day falls on October 20 or 21. However, most authoritative Hindu calendars and Panchangs confirm October 20 for the main celebration, as the most auspicious time for the Lakshmi Puja (Pradosh Kaal) occurs that evening. The five-day festival begins with Dhanteras on Saturday, October 18, and concludes with Bhai Dooj on Thursday, October 23, with Choti Diwali on October 19 and Govardhan Puja on October 22.
Date Confusion for Diwali 2025: October 20 or October 21?
The confusion regarding the main day of Diwali 2025, which revolves around October 20th or 21st, stems from the timing of the Amavasya Tithi (new moon phase).
Diwali’s central ritual, Lakshmi Puja, must be performed during the Pradosh Kaal (twilight period) on the day the Amavasya is active. In 2025, the Amavasya Tithi begins on October 20th at 3:44 PM and ends on October 21st at 5:54 PM.
Crucially, the auspicious Pradosh Kaal for the Lakshmi Puja falls on the evening of October 20, 2025. Therefore, as per major astrological and religious councils like the Kashi Vidwat Parishad, October 20th is confirmed as the correct date for the main Diwali celebration and Lakshmi Puja across most of India.
Table of Diwali 2025 Dates, Times, and Days:-
| Festival | Date (2025) | Day | Main Puja Timings (Muhurat) – India (approximate) |
| Dhanteras (Day 1) | October 18 | Saturday | Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 07:16 PM to 08:20 PM |
| Choti Diwali / Narak Chaturdashi (Day 2) | October 19 (Main day for some, rituals start on the 19th) | Sunday | Abhyang Snan Muhurat: 05:13 AM to 06:25 AM (on Oct 20) |
| Diwali / Lakshmi Puja (Main Day) | October 20 | Monday | Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 07:08 PM to 08:18 PM |
| Govardhan Puja / Annakut (Day 4) | October 22 | Wednesday | Pratahkala Muhurat: 06:26 AM to 08:42 AM |
| Bhai Dooj / Yama Dwitiya (Day 5) | October 23 | Thursday | Aparahna Muhurat (Tilak): 01:13 PM to 03:28 PM |
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Day 1: Dhanteras – October 18, 2025
The Diwali festivities begin with Dhanteras on October 18, 2025. It is considered an auspicious day to buy gold, silver, or household items as a symbol of prosperity. Devotees worship Lord Kuber and Goddess Lakshmi, praying for health, wealth, and success. Dhanteras 2025 marks the start of Diwali preparations, as families clean and decorate their homes.
Day 2: Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) – October 20, 2025
Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, will be celebrated on October 20, 2025, the same day as Diwali. This day commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Abhyang Snan Muhurat: 05:13 AM to 06:25 AM (on Oct 20). Choti Diwali is usually a quieter day, but households light diyas and perform smaller rituals to prepare for the main celebration.
Day 3: Diwali and Lakshmi Puja – October 20, 2025
The most important day of Diwali falls on October 20, 2025, with Lakshmi Puja as the highlight of the day. This is when families gather to worship Goddess Lakshmi, offering prayers for prosperity and well-being. Homes are illuminated with rows of diyas, and intricate rangolis are made at entrances to welcome prosperity. Fireworks light up the night sky, and family feasts are enjoyed to mark the victory of light over darkness.
The Lakshmi Puja muhurat for 2025 is between 07:08 PM to 08:18 PM, making this the ideal time to perform prayers. Amavasya, the new moon night, signifies the perfect backdrop for the symbolic dispelling of darkness with light.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja – 22 October, 2025
Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on October 22nd (Wednesday), in honor of Lord Krishna. This day marks Krishna’s heroic act of lifting the Govardhan mountain to protect the villagers of Mathura from the wrath of Lord Indra’s storms. Devotees perform rituals and offer food as the Govardhan Puja celebrates protection, divine intervention, and Krishna’s love for his devotees.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj – October 23, 2025
The Diwali festival concludes with Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhau Beej, on October 23, 2025. This day celebrates the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ long life and prosperity, while brothers offer gifts and promise to protect them. Bhai Dooj 2025 symbolizes love, care, and family unity.
You Learn: Diwali 2025 – A Festival of Joy and Tradition
Diwali 2025, primarily celebrated on October 31, is a grand expression of light, family, and tradition. Over the five days of celebrations, each day carries significant meaning, from the wealth and prosperity of Dhanteras to the love between siblings on Bhai Dooj. The confusion around the exact date should not deter from the essence of Diwali, which is rooted in victory, light, and unity.
As the Festival of Lights unfolds, Diwali 2025 promises to be a memorable occasion filled with rituals, fireworks, and cherished family moments. Let this Diwali be a time of joy, reflection, and connection, as people come together to celebrate the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.
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FAQs about Diwali 2025
1. When is Diwali in 2025?
Diwali will be celebrated on Thursday, October 20th, 2025, with festivities starting from October 29 and concluding on November 3.
2. What are the five days of Diwali in 2025?
The five days of Diwali 2025 are Dhanteras (October 18), Choti Diwali (October 20th), Diwali and Lakshmi Puja (October 20th), Govardhan Puja (October 22), and Bhai Dooj (October 23).
3. Why is there confusion about the Diwali 2025 date?
The confusion arises because the Amavasya tithi overlaps between October 31 and November 1, leading to different interpretations of the festival date.
4. What is the significance of Dhanteras in Diwali 2025?
Dhanteras marks the first day of Diwali and is considered an auspicious day to buy gold, silver, or new items to invite prosperity into the home.
5. What is the Lakshmi Puja muhurat for Diwali 2025?
The shubh muhurat for Lakshmi Puja in Diwali 2025 is between 07:08 PM to 08:18 PM on October 20th.
6. What is Bhai Dooj and when is it celebrated in 2025?
Bhai Dooj, celebrated on October 23rd, 2025, is a day dedicated to honoring the bond between brothers and sisters.
7. What is the significance of Govardhan Puja in Diwali 2025?
Govardhan Puja, celebrated on October 22nd, 2025, honors Lord Krishna’s protection of the villagers by lifting the Govardhan mountain, symbolizing divine protection and gratitude.
(India CSR)
