Diwali (or Deepavali) is among the most beloved and vibrant festivals in India and among Indian communities worldwide. Marked by lights, prayers, sweets, togetherness, and hope, it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and goodness over evil. In this detailed guide, we cover Diwali 2025 — the dates, auspicious timings (muhurats), day-wise rituals, mythology, what’s special in 2025, and tips for observing it meaningfully.
Diwali 2025: Dates & Festival Schedule
When is Diwali 2025?
- According to Prokerala, the Amavasya Tithi in 2025 begins on October 20 at 03:45 PM and ends on October 21 at 05:55 PM.
- The Pradosh Puja time is listed as October 21, 05:52 PM – 08:24 PM.
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat for New Delhi is given as 07:08 PM to 08:18 PM.
- Panchang / AstroSage gives morning muhurat (Chal, Laabh, Amrut) as 09:15:27 to 13:30:44, afternoon (Shubh) as 14:55:49 to 16:20:55.
- Many media sources list Diwali (Lakshmi Puja / main Deepavali day) on October 21, 2025 (Tuesday).
So, for general usage, October 21, 2025 is widely accepted as the main day of Diwali/Deepavali.
Given that the Tithi (Amavasya) overlaps, many devotees treat the evening of October 20 leading into October 21 as the auspicious period for Lakshmi Puja.
Five-Day Diwali Festival 2025 (Common Observance)
Below is a commonly accepted five-day schedule in 2025. Local customs may add or shift days.
| Day | Festival Name | Date (2025) | Key Rituals / Observances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi) | October 18, 2025 (Saturday) | Buying gold, silver, utensils; worship of Lord Dhanvantari & Goddess Lakshmi / Lord Kuber. |
| Day 2 | Narak Chaturdashi / Chhoti Diwali | October 20, 2025 (Monday) | Early morning ritual bath (Abhyang Snan), lighting of lamps at dusk, remembering Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. |
| Day 3 | Lakshmi Puja / Main Diwali (Deepavali) | October 21, 2025 (Tuesday) | Main puja to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, lighting diyas, prayers, family gathering, fireworks. |
| Day 4 | Govardhan Puja / Annakut | October 22, 2025 (Wednesday) | Worship of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill, offering food (Annakut) in temples & homes. |
| Day 5 | Bhai Dooj | October 23, 2025 (Thursday) | Sisters pray for the long life and prosperity of brothers, perform tilak & aarti. |
Some regional traditions include Govatsa Dwadashi (especially in Maharashtra) before Dhanteras.
Key Puja & Muhurat Timings (Indicative)
Here are notable timings for Diwali 2025 as given for pan-India / Delhi / general charts. Always check your local Panchang for precise times in your city.
| Timing / Ritual | Auspicious Time(s) / Period |
|---|---|
| Morning Muhurats (Chal, Laabh, Amrut) | 09:15:27 AM – 13:30:44 PM |
| Afternoon (Shubh) Muhurat | 14:55:49 PM – 16:20:55 PM |
| Lakshmi Puja Muhurat | 07:08 PM – 08:18 PM (in Delhi) |
| Pradosh Kaal (Evening period) | 05:46 PM – 08:18 PM (around Lakshmi Puja time) |
| Amavasya Tithi span | 20 October 03:45 PM – 21 October 05:55 PM |
| Nishita Kaal (midnight window) | 11:46 PM (Oct 21) – 12:36 AM (Oct 22) |
Note: Some alternative sources (like a blog) indicate Lakshmi Puja may happen on October 20 evening (e.g. 6:59 PM – 8:32 PM) depending on region.
Significance & Mythology of Diwali
Core Symbolism
- Light over darkness: Diya (oil lamp) lighting represents dispelling ignorance and despair, welcoming knowledge and hope.
- Good over evil: Across legends, triumph of good forces over demonic, wicked forces is central.
- Renewal & purification: Homes are cleaned, old things discarded, spaces purified to invite positivity.
- Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings: Wealth, prosperity, abundance — devotees worship Lakshmi on Diwali night to invite her grace.
- Unity, generosity & community: Exchanging sweets, gifts, charity (dāna), visiting family & friends, strengthening social bonds.
Major Legends & Stories
- Rama’s Return to Ayodhya: In the North Indian epic narrative, Lord Rama returns to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and after defeating Ravana. Citizens light diyas to welcome him.
- Krishna & Narakasura: In many traditions, Diwali commemorates Lord Krishna’s slaying of demon king Narakasura, freeing imprisoned people.
- Lakshmi’s Appearance / Night of blessings: It is believed that Lakshmi visits pure, well-lit, and prayerful homes on the night of Diwali.
- Jain tradition: Diwali marks the nirvana (liberation) of Lord Mahavira.
- Sikh observance (Bandi Chhor Divas): Guru Hargobind’s release from imprisonment is observed concurrently with Diwali by Sikhs.
- Muhurat Trading: In financial markets, Muhurat trading is a symbolic trading session held in the evening of Diwali to invoke prosperity in the coming year.
What’s Special About Diwali 2025
Each year has its unique traits, and 2025 brings a few noteworthy aspects:
- Overlap of Tithi & Debate over day
Because Amavasya Tithi spans from late afternoon of October 20 through October 21 morning, there is some debate whether Lakshmi Puja should be on the 20th night or 21st. Many astrologers and Panchangs suggest the evening 20 October slot as auspicious for Lakshmi Puja.
This duality makes 2025’s timing a bit more discussed than usual. - Extended holiday periods
Several states / districts may grant 5-day school holidays (from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj) to let families fully observe the festival. - Focus on safety, environment, pollution control
Given growing concerns over air pollution (especially in northern India), 2025 may see stricter local enforcement or encouragement of eco-friendly lighting and crackers.
Some places already propose bans / limits on firecrackers in past Diwalis. - Reusing festival decorations & sustainable practices
There is a trend toward reusing decorations from festivals like Navratri or earlier events, rather than new items, for sustainability. - Cultural recognition abroad
Diwali’s importance is rising globally; for instance, states (in U.S. or elsewhere) may formally recognize Diwali as a holiday, reflecting the Indian diaspora’s influence.
Day-Wise Rituals & How to Observe
Below is a suggested way (with common rituals) to observe Diwali in 2025. Adapt as per your local tradition and Panchang.
Day 1: Dhanteras (Oct 18, 2025)
- Cleanse the house, especially entrances.
- Buy something precious (gold, silver, utensils) — considered auspicious.
- In the evening, perform Dhantrayodashi puja: worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber for wealth and prosperity.
- Light a special Yama Deepam (lamp) for protection from death / misfortune.
Day 2: Narak Chaturdashi / Chhoti Diwali (Oct 20, 2025)
- Wake early, perform Abhyang Snan (oil bath) before sunrise.
- During bath, chant mantras or remember deletion of negativity.
- Light small diyas at dusk around the home; clean yard & entrance.
- Optionally worship ancestors or offer prayers for departed souls.
Day 3: Lakshmi Puja / Main Diwali Night (Oct 21, 2025)
- Decorate home with rangoli, flowers, lights, and clean everything thoroughly.
- Begin the puja in the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat (07:08 PM – 08:18 PM in Delhi reference) or as per local chart.
- Worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and sometimes Lord Kuber.
- Offer sweets, fruits, incense, flowers, lamps, coins, betel leaves, and camphor.
- After puja, distribute prasad, eat festive meals, engage in family time, and light fireworks (if permitted).
- Keep lights on late, as many believe the Goddess visits and stays in homes that are well lit.
- Some businesses and offices also perform Lakshmi puja in their premises or safe.
- In stock markets, Muhurat trading session is held to symbolically mark a prosperous start.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja / Annakut (Oct 22, 2025)
- Prepare a large spread of food (Annakut) — vegetables, sweets, grains, etc.
- Arrange them in the form of a mountain (symbolic of Govardhan Hill) and offer to Krishna.
- Worship Lord Krishna; in many homes/temples, this is observed with enthusiasm.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj (Oct 23, 2025)
- Sisters welcome brothers with tilak, aarti, sweets, and prayers.
- Brothers give gifts or token blessings in return.
- Some may also do special pujas or charitable acts.
Tips & Best Practices
- Consult local Panchang / temple calendar for exact muhurats in Jalandhar / your city.
- Start preparing early — clean your home, get decorations, rangoli supplies, lights, puja items.
- Use eco-friendly lamps, LED lights, and green crackers (if legal).
- Avoid overuse of fireworks in dense or polluted areas for safety & environment.
- Plan the puja steps in order: Ganesha first (remove obstacles), then Lakshmi, Kuber, etc.
- Maintain decorum and quiet in residential areas at night (especially with firecrackers).
- Share sweets, gifts, donations (dāna) to spread joy.
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