Diwali 2025: Celebrations on October 20 or 21?

As the festival of lights approaches, excitement fills the air across India. Diwali, celebrated for its vibrant traditions and joyous atmosphere, marks the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. In 2025, there is some confusion regarding the date of Diwali, with many wondering if it will be celebrated on October 20 or 21.

According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Diwali falls on the 15th day of the Kartik month, coinciding with the Amavasya Tithi, which begins on October 20 at 3:44 PM and ends on October 21 at 5:54 PM. However, Drik Panchang confirms that Diwali and the important Lakshmi Puja will be observed on October 20, 2025.

The Lakshmi Puja Muhurat for this year is set from 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM in New Delhi, with the Pradosh Kaal occurring from 5:46 PM to 8:18 PM. The Vrishabha Kaal, another auspicious time for the puja, will last from 7:08 PM to 9:03 PM. During these sacred hours, devotees will worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, seeking blessings for wealth and prosperity.

For major cities, the Lakshmi Puja timings are as follows: - Mumbai: 7:41 PM to 8:41 PM - Pune: 7:38 PM to 8:37 PM - Chennai: 7:20 PM to 8:14 PM - Hyderabad: 7:21 PM to 8:19 PM - Bengaluru: 7:31 PM to 8:25 PM - Ahmedabad: 7:36 PM to 8:40 PM - Jaipur: 7:17 PM to 8:25 PM - Gurugram: 7:09 PM to 8:19 PM - Noida: 7:07 PM to 8:18 PM - Chandigarh: 7:06 PM to 8:19 PM - Kolkata: 5:06 PM to 5:54 PM (October 21) - Bhubaneshwar: 5:19 PM to 5:54 PM (October 21)

While most cities will celebrate Diwali on October 20, Kolkata and Bhubaneshwar will observe the festival a day later, on October 21.

Diwali is not just a day of festivities; it is a five-day celebration. The key days include Dhanteras on October 18, Choti Diwali on October 20, the main Diwali day on October 20, Govardhan Puja on October 22, and Bhai Dooj on October 23. Each day holds its own significance, with rituals and prayers dedicated to various deities.

As families prepare for Diwali, they clean and decorate their homes, light diyas, and exchange gifts, all in hopes of inviting prosperity and happiness for the year ahead. Mark your calendars for October 20, 2025, and get ready to celebrate this auspicious occasion with joy and devotion.