Diwali 2025 Will Be Celebrated on October 20, Not October 21: Here's Why
The Kashi Vidwat Parishad, a respected body of Hindu scholars, has clarified that October 20 is the correct date for Diwali in most regions. Their decision is based on the alignment of Amavasya with Pradosh Kaal, which is considered the most auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated across India and in many parts of the world. It marks the victory of light over darkness and is traditionally observed on the Amavasya (new moon) of the Hindu month of Kartik. The festival is associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and is celebrated with lights, prayers, and family gatherings.
In 2025, Diwali falls during a unique lunar alignment that has led to regional variations in its celebration date. This article provides a comprehensive Diwali 2025 calendar, including the timing of Amavasya and the most auspicious muhurat for Lakshmi Puja.
Diwali 2025 Festival Calendar
Diwali is celebrated over five days, each with its own religious and cultural significance.
- The date of Dhanteras is set for Saturday, October 18, 2025. This day is considered auspicious for purchasing gold, silver, and utensils. It is also associated with the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda.
- Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi will be celebrated on Sunday, October 19, 2025. This day commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. It is a day for cleaning homes and lighting early lamps.
- The main day, which is Diwali 2025, which includes Lakshmi Puja, will be celebrated on Monday, October 20, 2025, in most regions. This is the most important day of the festival and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi.
- Govardhan Puja or Annakut will be observed on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. This day honors Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rains.
- Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on Wednesday, 22 October 2025. It is a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters, where sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being.
Diwali 2025: Amavasya Tithi and Its Importance
Diwali is celebrated on Kartik Amavasya, which is the new moon night. In 2025, Amavasya begins on October 20 at 3:44 PM and ends on October 21 at 5:54 PM. This overlap across two days has led to confusion regarding the correct date for Lakshmi Puja.
What Is Pradosh Kaal?
Pradosh Kaal is the period approximately 1.5 hours after sunset. It is considered the most spiritually potent time for performing the Lakshmi Puja on Diwali. According to Hindu tradition, Goddess Lakshmi descends to bless homes during this twilight period.
In 2025, Pradosh Kaal on October 20 aligns perfectly with Amavasya, making it the ideal time for Lakshmi Puja. Performing the puja during this time is believed to bring prosperity, peace, and divine blessings.
Regional Variation in Diwali 2025 Date
Due to the timing of sunset and the Amavasya overlap, the date of Diwali will vary based on location.
- Cities where sunset occurs after 5:30 PM will celebrate Diwali on October 20, 2025. This includes cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
- Cities where sunset occurs before 5:30 PM will celebrate Diwali on October 21, 2025. This includes cities like Kolkata and some parts of eastern India.
This distinction ensures that Lakshmi Puja is performed during Pradosh Kaal while Amavasya is still active.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat on October 20, 2025
The most auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja is during Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Lagna. Vrishabha Lagna is considered a fixed sign and ideal for worshipping wealth deities.
- Pradosh Kaal will begin at 5:46 PM and end at 8:18 PM.
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat will be from 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM.
- Vrishabha Lagna will be active from 7:08 PM to 9:03 PM.
Performing the Lakshmi Puja during this window is considered highly beneficial.
City-Specific Considerations for Diwali 2025
While the general muhurat applies to most cities, local sunset times may slightly alter the exact Pradosh Kaal window. For example:
- In Mumbai, sunset occurs later, so the Lakshmi Puja muhurat may extend from 7:41 PM to 8:41 PM.
- In Bengaluru, the recommended time is between 7:31 PM and 8:25 PM.
- In Hyderabad, the muhurat is between 7:21 PM and 8:19 PM.
- In Kolkata, Amavasya ends earlier, so Lakshmi Puja should be completed before 5:54 PM on October 21.
Devotees are advised to consult the local panchang or temple authorities for precise timings based on their location.
Diwali 2025: Lakshmi Puja Rituals
Lakshmi Puja is the spiritual centerpiece of Diwali. It is performed to invite prosperity, peace, and happiness into the home. The rituals include:
- Cleaning the house thoroughly to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
- Decorating the home with rangoli, flowers, and oil lamps.
- Placing idols or images of Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Saraswati on a clean altar.
- Offering sweets, fruits, coins, and flowers.
- Lighting multiple diyas (oil lamps) in all rooms of the house.
- Chanting Lakshmi mantras and performing aarti during the muhurat.
Many families also perform Kuber Puja to honor the god of wealth and Ganesha Puja to remove obstacles.
Dos and Don'ts for Diwali 2025 Puja
To ensure the puja is spiritually effective, certain practices should be followed.
Recommended practices:
- Begin preparations early in the day.
- Use fresh flowers and clean utensils.
- Light diyas in all rooms of the house.
- Offer homemade sweets if possible.
- Maintain silence and focus during the puja.
Practices to avoid:
- Performing puja outside the Pradosh Kaal.
- Using broken idols or damaged puja items.
- Leaving diyas unattended.
- Consuming alcohol or non-vegetarian food on Diwali night.
- Forgetting to include Ganesha in the puja.
Importance of Diwali 2025 and Lakshmi Puja
Diwali is not just a festival of lights; it is a celebration of spiritual alignment. Lakshmi Puja is performed to invite the goddess into one’s home and life. It is believed that on this night, Goddess Lakshmi roams the earth and blesses homes that are clean, well-lit, and filled with devotion.
Performing the puja during the correct muhurat ensures maximum spiritual benefit and alignment with cosmic energies. It is also a time for family bonding, sharing sweets, and expressing gratitude.
Happy Diwali!
Diwali 2025 presents a unique case where Amavasya spans two days, leading to regional differences in celebration. However, based on lunar calculations and the guidance of Kashi scholars, October 20 is the most widely accepted date for Lakshmi Puja, especially in cities where sunset occurs after 5:30 PM.
By aligning the puja with Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Lagna, devotees can ensure that their prayers reach the divine with clarity and grace. Whether celebrated on October 20 or 21, the essence of Diwali remains the same, inviting light, prosperity, and peace into our lives.
