With the festival of lights approaching, a common question among devotees this year is whether Diwali will be celebrated on October 20 or October 21, 2025. This article clears the confusion by delving into the Hindu calendar tithi (lunar day), auspicious timings, and the significance of Lakshmi Puja for this grand occasion.
Key Highlights Clarifying Diwali 2025 Date And Timing
Diwali in 2025 falls primarily on Monday, October 20, which is the Amavasya (new moon) tithi of the Kartik month according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
The Amavasya tithi begins early on October 20, 2025, at around 3:44 AM and lasts until 5:54 AM on October 21.
Lakshmi Puja, the main ritual of Diwali celebrating Goddess Lakshmi, is observed on the Amavasya night, predominantly on October 20.
The auspicious Lakshmi Puja muhurat on October 20 is from 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM during the Pradosh Kaal, considered highly favorable for worship.
Some authorities and regional calendars also note auspicious timings extending into late night and early morning hours on October 21 due to the continuous Amavasya tithi.
The five-day Diwali festival in 2025 begins with Dhanteras on October 18 and continues through Narak Chaturdashi on October 19, Diwali/Lakshmi Puja on October 20, Govardhan Puja on October 21, and Bhai Dooj on October 22.
The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, bringing families together with prayers, lighting of lamps, delicious feasts, and jubilant celebrations.
Understanding Lakshmi Puja Importance And Rituals
Lakshmi Puja is the heart of Diwali where devotees invoke Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, along with Lord Ganesha, to bless their homes and businesses. The ceremony involves elaborate decorations with rangoli and diyas, chanting of mantras, offerings of sweets and flowers, and lighting of numerous lamps to invite divine grace.
The precise muhurat or timing marks the spiritual window where prayers are believed to be most effective, particularly during the Pradosh Kaal (early evening) on October 20.
Addressing The Common Confusion Over Diwali Date
Since Amavasya tithi extends over two calendar days in 2025, some confusion arises if Diwali should be marked on the start or end day of the new moon. However, traditional observance holds that the evening when the new moon is predominating is the correct Diwali day, affirming October 20 as the core day of celebration.
Regional variations and local Panchangs might show slight differences in auspicious timings, but the consensus remains that Lakshmi Puja and most Diwali rituals fall on October 20’s evening.
The Broader Diwali Festivities Calendar 2025
Dhanteras (Oct 18): Marks the beginning with prayers for health and wealth; auspicious day to buy precious metals and utensils.
Narak Chaturdashi/Choti Diwali (Oct 19): Celebrates Lord Krishna’s triumph over the demon Narakasura; ritual oil baths and house cleaning.
Lakshmi Puja/Main Diwali Day (Oct 20): Worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, lighting lamps and fireworks.
Govardhan Puja (Oct 21): Commemorates Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill; food offerings and community feasts.
Bhai Dooj (Oct 22): Celebrates sibling bonds with tilak rituals and gifts.
Conclusion: Capture The Spirit Of Diwali 2025 With Perfect Timing
This year’s Diwali ushers in light, hope, and prosperity predominantly on October 20, with auspicious puja timings offering the best moments for worship. Whether lighting diyas, offering prayers, or enjoying festive delicacies, families across India and the world come together in joyful reverence.
Following this detailed calendar and muhurat guide can help devotees uphold tradition with spiritual precision and maximum blessings during the festival of lights.
Sources: Aaj Tak, TV9 Hindi, India Today, Drik Panchang, Jansatta, Diwali Dhamaka.
